//Hi Mibs.
Your definition of altruism is not one I've ever come across before. Doing a quick search on t'internet, I see it defined as, “... Unselfish concern for the welfare of others; selflessness...”, and on my lovely Kindle (Oxford English Dictionary), it is defined as, “...disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others...”. That's a somewhat different definition to the one you're using. Where have you got yours from?//
I made it up. :o)
What I'm referring to with my use of the term 'altruism' is acting in opposition to ones own rational self interest, which is just as amoral as expecting someone else to act against their own rational self interest.
//“... you personally potentially stand to gain should you happen to be on the receiving end of someone else's choice to check the box? Not saying that you took that into consideration...”
You're right – I didn't. If I were the only person in the world with an organ donor card I would still carry it since I think it is only right and proper to offer up my organs after my death to anyone who may be able to use them. I expect absolutely nothing in return.//
Unless your organ donor card specifies no objection to being murdered by someone for whom your organs are a perfect match, I see nothing wrong with that, (see above ‘definition’) . . . I might strongly object however to a donor (living or dead) slipping an organ (of any kind) unannounced through my mail slot. :o/
By the way, if your wondering what for all the organ jokes?, I happen to be, by request, not by design, amongst other things, an organ technician, (the musical variety) . They’re a dime a dozen in that profession . . . but for you, no extra charge. (In fact, today I’ll be responding to a message left on my answering machine by a giggling female requesting my services . . . priceless!)
“... If you're looking for an example of true altruism it would be handing a loaded gun to someone whose desire is to rob, or better yet, murder you for the simple satisfaction of doing so. That, my friend, is the un-stated premise behind and the logical absurdity of altruism...”
No it isn't. Your example is entirely spurious. Altruism doesn't rob the proposer of their mental faculties or their right (and will) to preserve their own existence. Altruism is the concern for others – it does not imply a dereliction in the concern for oneself. I think your argument hinges on your understanding of the word. I believe that you have wrongly interpreted this word and as a consequence of this, have reached an erroneous conclusion.//
Non-sacrificial altruism. As the focus of my attention is temporarily diverted to other interests at the moment, I suppose I can live with that . . . for now.
//“...I don't necessary follow 'the rules', in fact, I have no idea what 'the rules' are...”
There's a logical inconsistency to your statement. If you have no idea what the rules are, how can you be sure you're not following them even subliminally? In order to be aware that you don't follow the rules, you must first be aware what those rules are...
;-)//
Not necessarily. Some of us have reservations regarding following invisible ‘leaders’ . . . ;o)
Duty calls . . . I’ll try harder next time. :o)
By the way, congrats on being awarded best answer . . . you old devil you. >;o)