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Part I. The Altruistic Stance: Loyalty to Others
- University of Missouri Press
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The Altruistic Stance Loyalty to Others In altruism, ethical action benefits others, rather than focusing on the self or general virtues, or following the law. John Stuart Mill represents an impersonal social altruism, while the others are flesh-and-blood personal in orientation. In the altruistic stance, the core of morality is sympathy—consideration of others, help and caring, empathy, treating people fairly. For the Dalai Lama, the supreme human emotion for others is compassion and for Jesus, agape (love). Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King, Jr., center their commitment to others on the teachings of Jesus. For Carol Gilligan, the caring one is engrossed in the cared for. In John Stuart Mill’s version of altruism, ethical action maximizes happiness and minimizes harm. PART I ...