---Soft Fluffy Cloud <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
It appears to be a very powerful motivational feature in solving the
"Tradegy of The Commons". There are several conclusions that may be
derived from the literature and analysis: altruism is a form of
non-rational egoism [if you are not an altruist then it is better to
die broke]; it is often a culturally learned attitude or behaviour and
may be described as trans-kin altruism [Canada has a voluntary blood
system and the USA does not have a voluntary blood system];
intragroup solidarity is enhanced by kin altruism; complex human
exchange systems are enhanced by altruism; altruism as a motivation
explains helpers in human groups; collective social action assumes
"non-rational egoism" that is altruistic.
-------
Using altruism as a solution to the problem of the tragedy of the
commons may work, but my guess it would only have force in small
groups. That is the more anonymity one has the less impact altruism
would have. For situations with large number of individuals changing
the institutional structure (i.e. turning the commons into private
property or issuing licenses, etc.) would yeild more robust results.
As for it being better for a non-altruist to die broke I guess it
partly depends on how you define the objective funcition. If I have
some concern over my offsprings' ability to pass on their (and my)
genetic material then I may not want to die broke.
Steve
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