Final answer:
Survival can be seen as selfish from an evolutionary perspective, as individuals naturally prioritize their own needs and desires for survival and reproduction. This does not mean that humans are always selfish, as cooperative and compassionate behaviors also exist. The concept of the "Selfish Gene" suggests that seemingly altruistic behaviors can be explained by the benefit they provide to individuals' genes, such as taking care of offspring or supporting relatives with shared genes. However, it is important to note that survival and altruism are not mutually exclusive, and humans can show both selfish and selfless traits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of whether survival is selfish is a profound one, touching on biology, philosophy, and social theory. At its core, human beings display selfish behavior in seeking to satisfy their basic needs and desires, but this is not the entire picture. Humans are also inherently capable of cooperation and compassion, with individual levels of selfishness and altruism varying widely among people.
Historically, the idea of survival of the fittest has been misappropriated by Social Darwinists, who exploited this concept to justify colonialism and systematic inequality, suggesting that the subjugation of less powerful groups was a natural and beneficial outcome of social evolution. This view has since been largely discredited.
Looking at altruistic behaviors, theories such as The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins propose that such behaviors can be seen as advantageous from a genetic standpoint, particularly when the sacrifice of an individual benefits others who share its genes. Yet, this view remains a topic of debate and discussion among scientists and ethicists, highlighting the complexity of the issue.
Morally, many people believe it is wrong to deprive life or well-being from others, and that helping others is a righteous path. Cultural norms and personal views on parenting also reveal contrasting perspectives on selflessness and selfishness. Ultimately, the interplay between survival, self-interest, and altruism remains a nuanced and intricate subject.