What are the different opinions about helping others or sacrificing that are portrayed

Philosophers, psychologists, and scholars have long argued about whether true altruism really exists or if it is, in fact, just another manifestation of egoism, albeit a veiled one. These skeptics argue that altruism is actually a form of self-interest, including aspects of pride, satisfaction, or the reinforcement of one’s self-worth. Still others, like author and philosopher Ayn Rand, outright reject altruism and instead consider selfishness a virtue.

What do you think? Does altruism exist? Is it a “good” thing or is it destructive to the self-sacrificing individual?

View the following videos and identify three views (real and fictional) on the virtue (or lack of ) helping others.

Ayn Rand – The Morality of Altruism (09:22) (Links to an external site.)

The Hunger Games: Katniss and Peeta Reeping Scene (03:59) (Links to an external site.)

The Bystander Effect is Complicated – Here’s Why (16:57) (Links to an external site.)

After you have viewed the videos, post a thoughtful critique addressing the following questions:

What are the different opinions about helping others and/or sacrificing that are portrayed in each of these video clips? What do you agree with? What do you disagree with? Why?

Is altruism real? Common? Are people, by nature helpful or selfish?

Is altruism morally “right”? Or morally “wrong”? Explain your perspective.

Can a selfish person be a moral person? A self-interested person? What is the difference, if there is any, between being selfish and being self-interested? Between acting prudently and acting morally?

Is there a difference in sacrificing for a loved one (as in the Hunger Games scenario) and sacrificing for a stranger? Is one more altruistic than the other? Explain your perspective.

How is the bystander effect related to issues of altruism and/or egoism?