Inductive Essay- Dr. Satel “When Altruism Isn’t Moral”
Cheryl Cassagne
California Intercontinental University
GRC 600: Doctoral Academic Study and Writing
Professor Nigel Basta
February 18, 2018
Inductive Essay Dr. Satel “When Altruism Isn’t Moral”
Literature Overview
The article “When Altruism isn’t Moral,” Dr. Satel refers to a scenario of two unknown individuals; and how they shared a bond due to ones suffering. The article is interesting in the sense that one stranger opens his heart to save another man’s life by donating an organ. Davis wife sent over 140 letters of plea to friends and relatives. One of letters was given to Thompson’s coworker who was hoping that Thompson…show more content… In the transplant establishment, most believe that donated organs should be an act of selflessness more like a token of generosity. Transplant policy should not use altruism as a valid basis because organ donations cannot be thought of as gifts because it will never be sufficient. The controversy of whether or not being compensated for donating an organ leads to many believing that altruism is not real. If people are paid for organ donation then corruption will occur and the authenticity of donation is considered false. Relatives may feel obligated to donate to save their family members life. If they don’t help the individual will they be condemned or frowned upon. Those that need a transplant will die because a stranger is not a family member or close friend. How do you know that their act was indeed an act of altruism? Who decides the truth? There are so many people that need transplants yet there are strict guidelines. Are these policies hurting or saving…show more content… How far would one go for the sake of enrichment? Organ trafficking would be one of the corruptions. People would sell their organs just so that they can be compensated. Per Michael Sandel, “It is believed that compensating donors would fall into two categories which are arguments from corruption and arguments from consequence.” (pg. 37) Enforcing policies can address this situation. Incentives such as tuition vouchers, tax-free retirement, health coverage, and tax credits can compensate organ donors. Donor education and sufficient time frame can assist in medical and psychological screening. On the other hand, society would be devalued if organs were given in return for something of material cost. Satel (2018) found “Giving a kidney for free is noble but accepting compensation is illegitimate, a sordid affront to human dignity.” (pg. 37). The debate of whether or not incentives for organ donation are similar to that of a struggle between lift and
