I’ve been thinking about point 6. I think its actually quite obvious in hindsight. People really only care about themselves and people close to them either due to personal connections, physical closeness (like being a neighbor) or similar characteristics. Altruism starts off with the assumption that all lives have equal value which doesn’t reflect the values that people actually have. Charity has signaling purpose (it allows you to signal that you are the kind of person that cares) and a selfish purpose (it makes you feel good) but its not really about helping the people most in need.
In the drowning child example, I think the response that an honest non-utilitarian would give is that there is no moral obligation to save the drowning child if you aren’t connected to them in any way.
Moreover this might not be a bad thing, capitalism works partly because of selfishness and while I realize that is probably motivated cognition speaking, I think its worth considering that it might be okay that people value lives unconnected to them much lower.
Even in the absence of a moral obligation, saving a drowning child to whom you are not otherwise connected (or getting first aid training in anticipation of such an opportunity, etc.) might still be a very worthwhile investment, with the right follow-up. In addition to broader reputational effects, there’s the possibility of a debt of gratitude from the child and any associated parents or guardians which would broaden and diversify your social circle, without giving those approached an opportunity to resent the intrusion.
I’ve been thinking about point 6. I think its actually quite obvious in hindsight. People really only care about themselves and people close to them either due to personal connections, physical closeness (like being a neighbor) or similar characteristics. Altruism starts off with the assumption that all lives have equal value which doesn’t reflect the values that people actually have. Charity has signaling purpose (it allows you to signal that you are the kind of person that cares) and a selfish purpose (it makes you feel good) but its not really about helping the people most in need.
In the drowning child example, I think the response that an honest non-utilitarian would give is that there is no moral obligation to save the drowning child if you aren’t connected to them in any way.
Moreover this might not be a bad thing, capitalism works partly because of selfishness and while I realize that is probably motivated cognition speaking, I think its worth considering that it might be okay that people value lives unconnected to them much lower.
Even in the absence of a moral obligation, saving a drowning child to whom you are not otherwise connected (or getting first aid training in anticipation of such an opportunity, etc.) might still be a very worthwhile investment, with the right follow-up. In addition to broader reputational effects, there’s the possibility of a debt of gratitude from the child and any associated parents or guardians which would broaden and diversify your social circle, without giving those approached an opportunity to resent the intrusion.