On 1/29/2003 3:59:44 AM, Brian Ramirez wrote:
>I will venture out on a limb
>and throw out the idea that
>that hate crimes, war, etc.
>are necessary for the
>existence of selflessness.

Wow! What a thought. What better backdrop to make selflessness stand out than against hate crimes, war, etc. This is kinda like "The Ring of Gyges" and the theory Glaucon has that people practise justice against their will because they lack the power to do wrong. Take away the fear of punishment for wrong doing and what is there to stop us from doing wrong. On the other hand, when our reputation (a label) is at stake, aren't we all more likely to be selfless?