Note on Alms

A New View On Altruism In The Conjunction With Problems Facing Humanity Today

James Kubisz

It is an undeniable fact that there are problems going on around us (humanity) on a day-to-day basis, as well as throughout our history. These problems can be global, affecting all, such as, war, starvation, disease, child mortality and general human suffering. They can take place on a more personal level, such as, an elderly parent in need of assisted living. They can even take place across species, such as a baby gorilla in need of human-medical intervention. Most of us feel this need to help. We want to“fix” any phenomenon we perceive as a problem. This need-to-help is so prevalent within humanity that researchers have even named it “Altruism." Nevertheless, what is Altruism? Where does it claim “residency," so to speak? Is there a field of study in which Altruism would best be examined and worked, to benefit all? Is it biological? Can we select for it, is there a genetic basis for it? Is it psychological? Can it be identified and isolated it within our brains? Is it behavioral? Can we observe it and can we condition an individual for or against it? Is it, purely metaphysical? A thing-in-itself (noumenon) or is it phenomenological? Does Altruism as we know it to be, exist at all? In this essay, I will re-examine and re-define what Altruism is; going step-by-step through the major fields of study that, previously, and still do claim, Altruism as its own. I will show you (the reader) why Altruism cannot be a product of biological, psychological or behavioral processes/means. Finally, I will explain why anthropology may be the “best-fit” field of study equipped to understand Altruism and how this understanding of Altruism, through anthropological means, will benefit us when dealing with these problems.

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