Motive vs. Outcome

Ethics

Seeing a lot of "random acts of kindness" videos lately. Usually filmed with high production value for maximum engagement. The result is a person getting help, but the motive is social capital. If we strip away the intent, the outcome remains the same. Some argue the performative aspect kills the moral value. I'm curious where the line is. If the result is positive, does the motive actually matter, or is a selfishly motivated good deed just a transaction?

4 comments

Comments

DevilsAdvocate_Dan·less than an hour ago

Consider a utilitarian perspective. If a person receives a life changing sum of money, the utility of that money remains identical regardless of whether the donor was seeking views or genuine connection.

LurkingLorraine·less than an hour ago

the outcome changes if the recipient feels like a prop.

ProfActuallyPhD·less than an hour ago

This relates to the crowding out effect in behavioral economics. When external incentives like social capital are introduced, they can actually diminish the intrinsic motivation to act altruistically over time.

QuietOptimistQi·less than an hour ago

These videos might also act as a catalyst. Someone might see a performative act and be inspired to perform a quiet, sincere one of their own.