Rhetorical Outline

Title: Rhetorical Analysis of Judith Lichtenberg’s Is Pure Altruism Possible?

Thesis: Using life examples and effective connections to the audience, Lichtenberg conveys her argument on the good and evil of true altruism, whether being pure and whole-hearted or if in fact it is for the gain of the individual.

I.                   Lichtenberg believes that altruism in a pure sense almost always has ulterior motives but that doesn’t always mean there is a negative twist on that unselfish act.  

a.       Are we always looking for that “warm glow” after a heroic or unselfish act?

b.      Using the two scientific theories of reciprocal altruism and kin selection she explains the pros and cons to each, always returning to the belief that attaining true altruism isn’t possible.

II.                She explains that people never intentionally act to benefit others through a view known as egoism.

a.       As people always think twice, true altruism is disputed because as Lichtenberg puts it, “We know that even when we appear to act unselfishly, other reasons for our behavior often rear their heads.”

b.      Her pathos appeal throughout the theory behind egoism develops rapidly due to her knowledge of the science behind egoism and through the knowledge of scientists stated. (Butler, Kant, Freud)

III.             On the other hand, Lichtenberg counters these ulterior motives in altruistic acts using true life examples and basic logical reasoning.

a.       Virginia Tech professor Librescu saved all his students’ lives by blocking the door to his classroom, in doing so sacrificing his own life (51).

b.       She goes on to give the reader an opposite outlook, that in fact there are examples of people desiring the good of others for its own sake, not just for one’s own fulfillment.

C.  Her kairos in this piece is very well crafted and is a pro, con structure to convey the validity of true altruism.

            a. Nice guys don’t always finish last/nor do they always finish first (53).

b. She expounds that altruism should not be confused with flat out sacrifice but that     altruism is still possible and real.

Conclusion: There are always going to be ulterior motives in altruism but that doesn’t always mean the desire is for the gain or prosperity of that individual. Even in questioning one’s own altruism the increase in altruism throughout the world is critical and possible.