ACXLW Meetup 73: Altruism, Vitalism, and Nietzschean Morality - September 7th, 2024

Date: Saturday, September 7, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: 1970 Port Laurent Place, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Host: Michael Michalchik
Contact: michaelmichalchik@gmail.com | (949) 375-2045

Special Announcement: ACX Everywhere Meetup

This week's meetup is part of the global "ACX Everywhere" event. We anticipate a diverse group of new attendees, making this a great opportunity to expand our community and engage with fresh perspectives.

Conversation Starters

1. Altruism and Vitalism as Fellow Travelers
Text link: Altruism and Vitalism as Fellow Travelers
Audio link: Podcast Episode

• Summary:
  1. Altruism vs. Vitalism: Altruism focuses on maximizing happiness and reducing suffering, while vitalism emphasizes strength, glory, and the maximization of life. Although these philosophies diverge in extreme scenarios (e.g., dystopian outcomes like a world of obese, drug-addicted humans versus a world of endless, purposeless challenges), they often lead to similar solutions in normal circumstances, such as improving health and wealth.
  2. Convergence in Practice: Both approaches generally advocate for actions that make society healthier, wealthier, and more advanced. Divergences become problematic only when the philosophies are pushed to their extremes.
  3. Critique of Extremes: The post warns against becoming too focused on extreme, divergent cases, as these can lead to harmful ideologies. Instead, the author advocates for a balanced approach, recognizing the shared goals of both altruism and vitalism in improving human civilization.
• Discussion Questions:
  1. How can we reconcile the seemingly opposing goals of altruism and vitalism in practical decision-making?
  2. What are the dangers of focusing too heavily on extreme cases within moral philosophies like altruism and vitalism?
  3. How might these ideas apply to current societal challenges, such as healthcare or economic inequality?

2. Highlights from the Comments on Nietzsche
Text link: Highlights from the Comments on Nietzsche
Audio link: Podcast Episode

• Summary:
  1. Master vs. Slave Morality: The post revisits Nietzsche’s distinction between master and slave morality, exploring how masters act based on their own values, while slaves conform to external expectations. This dichotomy raises questions about authenticity, power, and the origins of moral values.
  2. Modern Interpretations: Commenters discuss how Nietzsche’s ideas may apply to contemporary issues, including the role of societal norms, individual autonomy, and the complexities of moral relativism.
  3. Philosophical Debate: The discussion delves into the tension between creating personal values and the influence of societal pressures, questioning whether true autonomy is achievable or desirable.
• Discussion Questions:
  1. In what ways do modern societal norms reflect Nietzsche’s concept of slave morality? Can true "master morality" exist in contemporary society?
  2. How do Nietzsche’s ideas about creating personal values align or conflict with current views on authenticity and self-expression?
  3. What lessons can be drawn from Nietzsche’s critique of morality for understanding today’s cultural and moral debates?

Walk & Talk: After the meeting starts, we usually take an hour-long walk and talk session. Nearby, you'll find mini-malls with hot takeout food options, like Gelson's or Pavilions, within the 92660 zip code area.

Share a Surprise: Bring something unexpected to share that has changed your perspective on life or the universe.