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The theory breaks down immediately when we look at the evidence. Reality is not some Hobbesian (Randian?) struggle. People do all sorts of good, even wonderful, extraordinary things for complete strangers they will never meet. Soldiers give lives; activists, scientists, etc. give careers. Just look at FOSS. People follow laws, are kind to strangers and especially vulnerable people like random elderly and children. In large cities, where by the Hobbesian/Randian theory we'd expect worse behavior, I often see the best behavior toward strangers. We are gregarious creatures going back to our primate ancestors, and all human cultures value morality, fairness, etc. Humans do it personally; they do it on grand scales - entire religions, bodies of law (human rights, welfare), etc. etc. > People know just enough game theory to justify bad behavior. Indeed. People do have good and bad in them. What an absurdity to pick out the bad, say that's all there is, and argue for it. Why would you choose the negative outcome when you could as easily choose the positive? Do they feel smarter than thou? Lol. Treating people like crap makes you feel like crap. Just do something nice. |
Although in general I agree, I think this might be another example of culturally implicit happiness utilitarianism slipping in.
As an anti-hedonist, I feel compelled to point out that goal doesn't even have to be about maximizing happiness!
People can and do choose to do things that are hard or painful, even in the long run, not because it feels good, but because it is the right thing to do.
I think stepping away from min-maxing happiness utilitarianism allows empathy with a broader swath of humanity, and opens up some really interesting questions.
Is it more important to be moral person or a happy person? Is it more important to promote a just society or happy society?
These goals are often related, but not always.