On Fri, 13 Feb 1998 11:25:21 -0800, Arthur V. Chadwick wrote:
>KK>I see this principle, applied to altruism, as support to theism not as
>>an affront. I have heard altruism in the past as an example
>>disproving evolutionary thought. With all do respect to everyone, I
>>submit this theory as a correlation. Isn't this an area where we can
>>all agree?
AC>The problem with sociobiology is that it is unfalsifiable. There is
>no such thing as an altruistic act. Therefore any seeming altruism
>really stems from the desire to promote one's self and ones genes. I
>have tried example after example of what to me is clearly altruistic
>behavior..but my sociobiologist friend quickly invented a plausible
>one), and a sociobiologist friend, always manages to rescue my
>examples from altruism. Was Christ's "sacrifice" on the cross
>altruistic? Not according to sociobiological standards. Where do
>you draw the line? I see altruism. My sociobiological friend sees self
>preservation. Who is right? I wouldn't trade places with him for
>anything. If there is no altruism, there is no reason to live. Self
>preservation will never hack it as a motive for living forever.
Good points!
William Lane Craig gives an example of self-sacrificing altruism:
"A number of years ago, a terrible mid-winter air disaster occurred in
which a plane leaving the Washington, D.C. airport smashed into a
bridge spanning the Potomac River, plunging its passengers into the
icy waters. As the rescue helicopters came, attention was focused on
one man who again and again pushed the dangling rope ladder to
other passengers rather than be pulled to safety himself Six times he
passed the ladder by. When they came again, he was gone He had
freely given his life that others might live. The whole nation turned its
eyes to this man in respect and admiration for the selfless and good
act he had performed. And yet, if the atheist is right, that man was
not noble-he did the stupidest thing possible. He should have gone for
the ladder first, pushed others away if necessary in order to survive.
But to die for others he did not even know, to give up all the brief
existence would ever have what for? For the atheist there can be no
reason. And yet the atheist, like the rest of us, instinctively reacts
with praise for this man's selfless action. Indeed, one will probably
never find an atheist who lives consistently with his system. For a
universe without moral accountability and devoid of value is
unimaginably terrible." (Craig W.L., "Reasonable Faith", 1994, p68)
Two questions for Kevin:
1. If a sociobiologist's own wife or child was one of those saved by this
man, would the sociobiologist honor him? If so, why?
2. If the man *was* a sociobiologist, would he grab the rope first
and save himself? If not, why not?
Steve
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Stephen E (Steve) Jones ,--_|\ sejones@ibm.net
3 Hawker Avenue / Oz \ Steve.Jones@health.wa.gov.au
Warwick 6024 ->*_,--\_/ Phone +61 8 9448 7439
Perth, West Australia v "Test everything." (1Thess 5:21)
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