what are the two selected subjects Thomas Lewis compare and contrast in the essay 'Altruism'?

what is the thesis of the essay 'Altruism'

 

what are the two selected subjects Thomas Lewis compare and contrast in the essay 'Altruism'?

The two subjects that Thomas Lewis compare and contrast in this essay are, "Pure Altruism" and "Moral motives" . In his essay he described how is Altruism differ from other forms of motives. He tells that if a person is morally motivation that doesn't means that he is following Altruism. If a person don't harm other and be conscious about the ways in which anyone didn't get harm because of him then it is Altruism. In this the person really cares about other and it is not necessary that it would include self sacrifice. He described that if someone gives food to a poor for the sake of that poor guy and thinking about his benefits that the poor guy is hungry and he will enjoy the food that it is Altruism. In the case of a Morality, we can take the example if a boy has taken a pencil from a girl and promised to return it by till date. He returned that before the deadline, it is Moral not Altruism because he did so for the sake of his promise, not for the sake of the girl. These examples tells that Altruism donot refer to all Moral works but is refers to those works which are done for the sake of others.

what is the thesis of the essay 'Altruism'?

All the works that are morally done, doesn't means they are altruistic. Altruism is done for the sake of others, for their benefits. It is not necessary that it will include Self sacrifice.