Jae+Rhee+Motivation



Questions Answered for Maslow's Pyramid of Needs

Questions on Altruism

**Are we, as some might say, motivated by a desire to save our off-spring? ** Yes, we are programmed to protect ourselves to have off spring, then protect the off spring, and lastly protect our relatives and close ones. I believe these are instincts of all organisms with a few exceptions of course. Yes, many scientists and philosophers have come to an agreement that there are selfish motivations in doing good. In fact one philosopher states that acts of altruism are acts of selfishness in disguise. Some of them are neurochemical rewards, personal pride, social rewards, and the want of power over others. Yes, a good is a good where ever and whenever it is done. I remember my music teacher, Mr. Ashur, defining sound as a frequency of waves that are heard through the ears or an organism. The question he addressed was “A tree falls and makes a noise but no one is there to hear the sound. Did the falling tree create a sound?” the answer was no to that question because the definition clearly indicated that the a sound has to be heard through the ears of an organism. However good does not have to be recognized, seen through the eyes, or be hear from a distance. Whether there is anyone present at the time of the good deed, a good deed is a good deed. I am a strong believer of this quote being Catholic, in the bible it is worded differently but it holds a similar meaning; “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” This explains karma and karma is a great part of Catholicity. From experience this quote proves to be true at least 70% of the time therefore it does make clear sense to me. Yes, surprisingly there is a term for an act of altruism that is selfless and it is called surface altruism. Surface altruism is an act of kindness purely for another person’s benefit.
 * Must there always be some sort of intrinsic reward for doing good? **
 * Mr. Otis once said, "That having integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching." If this is so, and no one knows when we have done good, would you still do good? **
 * "Delayed reciprocal altruism", seems like a gamble - back to game theory, any way. Does this seem to make sense to you. That is that we act out of a desire to have what we have done being done to us? **
 * Are we ever being truly "selfless" when committing an act of altruism? **

Question on Hunger


 * What seems to be the major motivating factor(s) for people that are affected by an eating disorder?**

The public media is a huge influence in eating disorders these days because all they show on television and magazines are skinny and pretty girls that are making poses that are very attractive. Then people want to become like that because of jealousy or just for self pride. Looking great has always been a priority in humans however these days as more and more models and skinny celebrities are making their way to the red carpet it inspires people. After watching some show with pretty girls and handsome men making relationships, the common people become jealous and envious wanting relationships like that. Therefore, they starve themselves trying to become like those stars on television. Thus from starvation and and other processes to become skinny people will create eating disorders.



Question on Homosexuality
 * What might be the social/political implications for there being a gay gene?**

Even though homosexuality is a gene and it is innate behaviour it is no more advantegeous than the issue we have with race. Race is innate ad no one can pick what kind of race they want to be. Homosexuals will ask for rights, protection, and equality however the government can do so much. Althought he socirty will have to abide by the laws and put a stop to the discrimination against the homosexual. But will it be successful? the problem with race still lives on. And another huge problem is Christianity, the majority of first world countries are Christians and Catholics. Whether gene or a way of life, homosexuality will be frowned upon by at least part of the society.