The Drive For Altruism Is Hardwired

Dekortage writes "The Washington Post is reporting on recent neuroscience research indicating that the brain is pre-wired to enjoy altruism — placing the interests of others ahead of one's own. In studies, '[G]enerosity activated a primitive part of the brain that usually lights up in response to food or sex... Altruism, the experiment suggested, was not a superior moral faculty that suppresses basic selfish urges but rather was basic to the brain, hard-wired and pleasurable.' Such research 'has opened up a new window on what it means to be good,' although many philosophers over recorded history have suggested similar things."

So I guess...

[cayenne8]

"-- placing the interests of others ahead of one's own. In studies, '[G]enerosity activated a primitive part of the brain that usually lights up in response to food or sex... "

So I guess chicks that put a man's sexual interests ahead of her own...REALLY lights up her own pleasure response!!!

I gotta make a note of this one...sounds like material to submit for an investigational grant!!

So...

[Normal Dan]

what they are saying is people are only generous because it feels good. That is, if it did not give them that feel good feeling, they would not be generous. Thus, everyone is generous for their own selfish purposes. Ergo, everyone is 100% selfish.

Go ahead, try to follow my logic. I dare you.

First post

[Teddy Beartuzzi]

Well, I wasn't, but that's because it gave me more pleasure for someone else to get it.

let me facilitate your pleasure

[Artifex]

I'm broke; give me money :)

Superior Being

[ATestR]

It is thus logical that a truly superior human will learn to abandon any primitive altruistic tendencies.

Re:altruism

[gEvil (beta)]

The principle or practice of unselfish concern for or devotion to the welfare of others. For those that didnt know.

Since you didn't post this as an AC I think we all know where you stand. : p

Following your logic...

[Nymz]

what they are saying is people are only generous because it feels good. That is, if it did not give them that feel good feeling, they would not be generous. Thus, everyone is generous for their own selfish purposes. Ergo, everyone is 100% selfish.
Go ahead, try to follow my logic. I dare you.

If I want to give money to a charity, that's selfish, but by denying my selfish desire and refusing to give to charity, I become altruistic.

salivating dog

[mythar]

these people were obviously conditioned to expect food and sex in exchange for sums of money.

Re:So do selfish people have defective brains?

[Anonymous Coward]

You mean women?

It doesn't work

[PPH]

I've tried that bit about generosity being as pleasurable as sex, but the hookers still insist on cash in advance.

Re:So I guess...

[HungSoLow]

I will speak for all geeks here, noting that you used past tense "dated", and ask you for her number.

Fascinating!

[rlp]

A discussion of altruism on Slashdot, and no one's quoted from "Star Trek: Wrath of Kahn" yet. Must be 'too obvious'.

Re:If you're getting brain activity...

[moderatorrater]

No...No, you don't...Wrong...Wrong again...

Wow, I never thought of it that way. Thank you, you changed my life with that amazing revelation!

Re:So...

[mythar]

well, i'm sure we've all seen pleasure and selfishness pushed too far.. but, what happens when altruism goes too far, becomes extreme, unrestrained, even perverse? marquis de sade meets mother theresa? i'd go see that movie.