| | I agree with Sam. The framework you've outlined is very clear, understandable, and quite accurate, though I must admit I've only read through the subheading "Labor theory of Virtue".
So far, I only have one issue.
I grew up in a Christian setting, and the doctrine set forth by the particular denomination (Mennonite) certainly emphasized altruism (or "service"). But the ideal motivation for altruistic actions was not sacrifice for the sake of being moral, but service stemming from compassion. It would be viewed as virtuous sacrifice in retrospect, yes, but in the moment, the action would be most moral if a person gave no thought whatsoever to the cost or risk to himself. He should be so overwhelmed with compassion that self-interest doesn't even occur to him.
You're right--after the fact, the action would be considered more moral if the harm to oneself was greater. The story of Luke 21:1-4, "The Widow's Offering" (same, in essence, as the example you gave under "Understanding Altruism") was spoken of reverently as an example of virtue. But thinking "this costs me dearly--I'm so moral" in the moment of giving would be perceived in the same light as thinking "I'll gain good publicity by doing this." They both count as ulterior motives.
I think the point is that the more a person is capable of sacrificing out of compassion without thinking of the cost/risk to oneself (or how moral one is being by giving), the more moral the person is. But I also haven't been to church for years, so maybe I'm a little rusty. Or perhaps my church's notion of "service" was just slightly different from the general doctrine of altruism.
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