Free Thinker Posted June 30, 2005 Report Share Posted June 30, 2005 (edited) I just got this interview in my inbox featuring Onkar Ghate speaking on altruism. Here is the description : Night Waves 29 June 2005 Wednesday 29 June 2005 21:30-22:15 (Radio 3) Make Poverty History is the latest manifestation of the rich helping the poor. But what lies behind the urge to do good to others while expecting nothing in return? In Night Waves: Undercurrents, Philip Dodd and guests deconstruct the philosophy, morality and practicality of altruism. Duration: 45 minutes Programme Details "We are all here to help others. What I can't figure out is what the others are here for." So wrote W.H. Auden. In this evening's Night Waves: Undercurrents, Philip Dodd and guests will consider the subject of altruism. When the Asian tsunami devastated millions of lives six months ago, individuals and governments around the world donated money and effort in almost unprecedented quantities. And with Live8 and the G8 summit about to take place, attention will once again focus on aid to Africa. But what lies behind an individual's desire to help others in a selfless way? Auguste Comte, the French founder of positivism, believed that individuals have a moral obligation to serve the interest of others, even at one's own cost. Yet the writer Ayn Rand challenged both philosophical and conventional ethics and presented strong arguments against altruism in its various forms. And to what extent is the concept of altruism an evolutionary trait? Philip Dodd will be joined round the table by the eminent evolutionary biologist and author of The Selfish Gene, Richard Dawkins; Frances Cairncross, former senior editor at The Econiomist; theologian Phillip Blond; and on the line from Geneva, Hugo Slim, specialist from the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, who has spent many years working for a variety of charities across the world. So, is selflessness really possible? Join Philip Dodd for Night Waves: Undercurrents live at half past nine here on Radio 3. Presenter: Philip Dodd Producer: Jerome Weatherald Edited June 30, 2005 by ASelameab Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Kufr Posted June 30, 2005 Report Share Posted June 30, 2005 (edited) I heard the entire interview and I can only say one thing about it, everybody sounded sickeningly DUMB except Onkar. These were basically their arguments: Richard Dawkins; evolutionary biologist. He said that our genes make us selfish but our altruism is a misfiring and some kind of a mistake in our genes . . . a good mistake, according to him. Basically he made humans sound like mindless robots controlled by genes. He was almost a caricature of a determinist, it was kind offunny. Frances Cairncross; editor at The Econiomist; Onkar Ghate brought up the idea that free trade would help people in Africa but she was against it because free trade wasn't really "fair". Onkar Ghate also said that giving money to people in the third world didn't really accomplish anything in the long run, and the only thing that could help places like Africa was a philosophical change. Frances and a few other members agreed that sending money really didn't do much good in the long run. This led her to say something really stupid at the end of the interview: She said, we should send people money because we get joy out of it, not because it actually works. Phillip Blond; theologian At first it sounded like he was a second voice of reason when he said that he was AGAINST altruism . . . Then he kept talking and said that he was against both selfishness AND altruism ! ! ! This guy was the craziest guy out of the bunch. He was absolutely wacky, I felt like going out with a tranquilizer gun so I could capture him and bring him to the Ayn Rand Institute so they can study and do experiment to find out what’s wrong with him. He was weary of altruism because it usually comes out after a big disaster and people only try to help for personal gain. His argument was convoluted, but that's what I understood . . . but you have to hear it for yourself, it was nutty. He also kind of insulted Onkar for saying that selfishness and capitalism would help the third world. Hugo Slim; Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue He supported the right to food, and all those other so-called rights. Basically he sounded like a mouthpiece for the U.N. or U2. Onkar Ghate was the only person who made any sense in the entire interview, it was pretty sad to see what Objectivism is up against. Everything they were saying sounded stupid beyond belief, but its scary knowing that these are the ideas that drive most of the world. They had so many mixed premises, its unbelievable! I feel sympathy for the people at ARI who have deal with these people and try to untangle their wacky ideas.They were against altruism and for it, they couldn't make up their minds! They just would not let go of the idea of altruism. Edited June 30, 2005 by Al Kufr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Praxus Posted June 30, 2005 Report Share Posted June 30, 2005 If they are representative of European intellectuals, they are worst off then I thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dufresne Posted June 30, 2005 Report Share Posted June 30, 2005 Missed the show, does anyone know whether there is a recording? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Free Thinker Posted June 30, 2005 Author Report Share Posted June 30, 2005 (edited) Missed the show, does anyone know whether there is a recording? Click on the link that is located in the first post on this thread. (The underlined word "this") Edited June 30, 2005 by ASelameab Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Free Thinker Posted June 30, 2005 Author Report Share Posted June 30, 2005 They had so many mixed premises, its unbelievable! I feel sympathy for the people at ARI who have deal with these people and try to untangle their wacky ideas.They were against altruism and for it, they couldn't make up their minds! They just would not let go of the idea of altruism. Good assessment. I found it funny that (I believe Francis) was claiming to be a "free market advocate", but yet a staunch supporter of altruism..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dufresne Posted June 30, 2005 Report Share Posted June 30, 2005 Click on the link that is located in the first post on this thread. (The underlined word "this") I did before but couldn't find the recording, it's well-hidden :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwickens Posted June 30, 2005 Report Share Posted June 30, 2005 A direct link to the audio. It expires next Wednesday (the 6th). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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