Altruism and Egoism

Unit 2 – Lesson 11April 2012

Purpose of Lesson To give the student a working

understanding of the concepts of Egoism and Altruism

This will be done through the following: definitions, history and contemporary examples of each term

Altruism: Defined Devotion to the

welfare of others

It was coined by the early sociologist Auguste Comte≥

Altruism Comte used the Italian word: altrui

meaning: of or to others In French it translates to: atruisme In English it translates to: altruism

Put another way in one word altruism can be defined as:

SELFLESSNESS

Altruism: What it is Altruism is a motivation to provide

something of value to a party who must be anyone but the self

At the same time it is different from duty or loyalty

It is considered a virtue in some cultures and a core aspect of certain religious traditions

It is the opposite of selfishness or egoism

Egoism: Defined The doctrine or

attitude that one’s own interests are of greater importance than any other consideration or thing

Commonly used by Sigmund Freud ≥ the creator of modern psychoanalysis

Egoism For Freud he compared egoism to the

early stages of childhood where they feel their needs intensely and strive ruthlessly to satisfy them

Egoism Put another way

in one word egoism can be defined as:

SELFISHNESS

Contemporary Example Founded in 1902 by

Rev. Dr. Edgar Helms This not-for-profit

organization provides: Job training Employment placement

services Other community based

programs

Contemporary Example These programs are provided to

people who have: Disabilities Lack education Lack job experience Or simply face employment

challenges

Contemporary Example Through a network of almost 200

independent community organizations

Spread over sixteen countries In 2010 alone, this industry spent

over 3.2 billion dollars helping 2.4 million people (and their families!)

Contemporary Example: Goodwill

Relationships

Lesson 11November, 2013

Overview This lesson will give students an

understanding of the various types of relationships that they will encounter in life

Lesson By the end of the lesson the students will: be able to identify and explain Maslow’s

Hierarchy of Needs with an emphasis on the third level: Belonging or

Social Needs Be able to define explain and distinguish

between Intrapersonal relationships and Interpersonal

Be able to identify the two types of interpersonal relationships

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Abraham Maslow, an American psychologist, developed a theory based on his study of well adjusted, successful, and exemplary people

Part of his theory included a ‘pyramid’ in which he illustrates the needs all people have

As each level of ‘need’ is met, from the bottom up, people become motivated and focused to achieve the next level

Maslow’s Pyramid

Can make notes on the handout

Intrapersonal Relationship

Also called Intrapersonal Intelligence, was first used by the psychologist Howard E. Gardner in his theory of Multiple Intelligence

you may remember this from last year: The Seven Ways to be Smart

Intrapersonal intelligence Intrapersonal intelligence is:

how well you get along with yourself; how well you know yourself; how well you understand yourself.

Intrapersonal intelligence Is also concerned with how clear

you are about: your strengths and weaknesses; your values and opinions; your goals and dreams

Where This Leads? With a strong and

honest understanding of yourself; you are better capable of having a strong and honest relationship with others

Interpersonal Relationships This is an association between two

people that may range from fleeting (holding the door for a stranger) to enduring (a marriage that lasts a lifetime) and everything in between!

Interpersonal Relationships Usually

interpersonal relationships are divided into two main categories: Platonic

relationships Non-Platonic or

intimate relationships

Platonic Relationship Although attributed to the philosopher

Plato, a Platonic relationship is one that is non-sexual

The Church refers to this as Chaste love.

In its highest form this love directs or inspires the other, both mind and spirit, to the love of God and all things divine.

Non-Platonic Relationships

Also known as Intimate or Sexual relationship

It includes physical and/or emotional intimacy

Sometimes called romantic or passionate love

Church Teaching The Church teaches us that the

physical or sexual form of this relationship is reserved for those mature and committed enough to wait and seek the Sacrament of Marriage at the appropriate time

Assignment On the back of the handout you will find

questions related to the lesson. You will form into groups of three or four and

answer the questions assigned to your group Students incapable of following these instructions

will be required to complete one of the questions on their own as a written assignment.

If you have any difficulties please bring them to my attention immediately!!!

Coming up →

Wednesday – Complete Relationship Assignment, Start Love of Self and Others Lesson

Thursday – Character Education/Work Period

Friday – Test Review Monday – TEST