Should the Altruist Stay at Home?

Abstract

We consider altruism as a core characteristic of human beings, grounded on an awareness of our interdependence. We address some of the difficulties that an altruist might encounter when promoting the wellbeing of those who are different from himself. In cases like thiswe can find that: the beneficiaries disagree with the altruist about what is good for them, what will benefit them or improve their well-being; and/or the ‘goods’ or benefits that the beneficiaries want the altruist to promote may actually conflict with the altruist’s values. We will discuss whether or not the altruist should ‘stay home’ and refrain from exercising altruism with those who are different from him. We will offer (tentative) solutions that allow (at least I some instances) altruism to be promoted in cases in which the altruist and the beneficiaries have a different understanding of what would promote the wellbeing of the beneficiaries.