Researchers Creating Life From Scratch

[GiMpY-wAnNaBe]

I'm sorry i didn't explain myself better, Prof. S, but i stand by what i said.

the human brain is a very effective computer, it can be likened to a computer in every way shape or form, i'd love to have an msn chat or something along those lines and explain my beliefs on that to you. Furthermore "humanity" is no different than "dogality", "dolphinality", or "pigality". It is a word that is used to describe what the present society views as the morally right decision.

e.g. - "appeal to your humanity by pledging funds to a starving child in Africa". Whether its the right thing for you to do, debatable, whether its the socially acceptable thing to do, definately.

I personally have a very dark view on humanity (as a race ), i believe that there is no such thing as altruism in any form, and that is what true human instict is, survival, first of yourself, then your family, then your friends. Obviously exceptions occure as there are no definates in this topic.

I still don't see what problems my view creates though, i thought as i reread your post.

[Professor S]

Originally Posted by GiMpY-wAnNaBe

I personally have a very dark view on humanity (as a race ),

Really? I didn't notice.

i believe that there is no such thing as altruism in any form, and that is what true human instict is, survival, first of yourself, then your family, then your friends. Obviously exceptions occure as there are no definates in this topic.

And I can't disagree with you more. You add in the exceptions like they prove the rule, and that is never the case. Are there selfish people, hateful people and down right nasty people? Yes. But there are 10 times as many people to are good and genuinely care for the rest of humanity. They just don't sell papers or get ratings.

I still don't see what problems my view creates though, i thought as i reread your post.

Wait, so you don't think that not believing that people are generally good and care for one another doesn't cause problems in society? Humans are pack animals and we have always relied on each other for our survival. If we all just decided that it's "everyone for themselves" we would be in chaos.

I just can't fathom your black view of the world.

[GiMpY-wAnNaBe]

unfortunately, although you claim to not be able to fathom it, it still happens before your eyes, and its the reason why humanity is on a downward spiral. Mass Corporations are quite possibly the best way to provide an example in this area, i really don't have the mettle to go through the number of examples when there are enough publications that do it much better (the corporation is a really good one).

In anycase, nobody genuinely cares for the rest of humanity. i'm sorry to say it bluntly, and it sounds like a ridiculous thesis with no substance, unfortunately (yes, unfortunately because even though i believe i still acknowledge it sucks :P), i can provide logical arguments and proofs behind this matter.


First and formost, altruism displayed by real people (not in stories), is not altruistic at all, it is done for the satisfaction that you have helped someone, it is done to achieve that feeling of being good because your hand directly helped someone and you recieved nothing concrete in return (the "warm, fuzzy, feeling if you will). All things done, although most concious minds don't accept it, are done for a purpose that will eventually suit you. This is the truth i accept, people are no better than a pack of wolves, except we get what we want intelligently.


Second, THere are no "genuinely good" people, or "genuinely bad" people, creating two extremes on a scale that represents an entity that can make decisions is nonsensical in my opinion. actions can be garnered as good or bad, the person taht creates them is not. Thus is why people are persecuted on what they do, not who they are (or at least it happens ideally). Life is not like a video game, there are no bars indicating how far to the good side or dark side you are, and everything you do, is soley based on what criteria you consider. Everytime you make a decision it is based on what criteria you have taken into consideration, and upon that information, you come to a conclusion which best serves to meet you need or want. Labelling someone as bad or evil does nothing to enlighten anyone about why he/she did something, or how to avoid it. Thus good and bad are unjust rulings in rating a person.

[Professor S]

Relativism at its worst. There is no good or bad, only choices... thats the reason why the world is on the downward spiral you claim it is on. If people recognized good and bad, instead of explaining them away in a semantic boondoggle so they can excuse themselves of poor/selfish choices, the world would be in a much better state and the cynicism that you aspire to validate through your argument wouldn't exist.

Yes, there are bad corporations (and people) like you said, and they are the ones that get all the attention and in part is one of the reasons why I think you feel the way that you do. Meanwhile, companies and private organizations are also the single most generous philanthropists on the face of the earth, but like I said, that gets no press. When I worked for GlaxoSmithKline they averaged nearly $1 Billion per year in free vaccines given to third world nations. Its part fo that company's charter that they are too benefit mankind and not simply garner profit.

Altruism and even corporate altruism does in fact exist, but you have to look for it. But I guess its too easy to simply disregard your own humanity and responsibilities os being a member of a society if you first convince yourself that an idea like humanity and moral responsibility is simply a `construct of an inherently selfish and self-destructive species'.

I will repeat, if you really feel this way I feel sorry for you, and thats the last I'll say on this subject.

[GiMpY-wAnNaBe]

hmm, i'm not going to continue on this subject either, but as a future reference, please do not put down the person with which you are arguing. I don't know whether you do it intentionally or by accident but it doesn't do much except anger them. Since i disagree with you, it doesn't mean that i'm wrong, but it doesn't mean that your wrong either, offering your pity because someone feels differently than you attempts to put them in a lower position than you are, which isn't purpose of a discussion.

In either case, you've made some good points, i haven't exactly abandoned my theories, but niether have i left no considerations for errors on my part. All in all, i bid you a good day.