Final answer:
Charity, in its purest sense, is not based simply on what individuals deserve, but rather is an expression of altruism or giving to those in need. It includes varying motivations like empathy, social justice, and may involve complex considerations beyond the concept of merit.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of whether charity is simply based on what people truly deserve is an intriguing one. In its purest sense, charity is not strictly based on merit or what individuals deserve; rather, it is an act of giving to those in need without the expectation of return. The concept of charity can be understood through various perspectives and principles such as altruism, distributive justice, and the social exchange theory.
Altruism, for instance, suggests that charitable actions are motivated by empathy and a selfless concern for the well-being of others. This contrasts with self-interest or egoistic motivations that may also play a role in why people help others. When discussing charity and whether it should be given based on one's desert, we can look at the philosophical discussions around distributive justice, which deals with the fair allocation of goods and services in a society, including charitable assistance.
Various opinions from thinkers like Andrew Carnegie and Herbert Spencer introduce the complexities of such discussions, including the view that helping the 'unworthy' might cause more harm than good. This reflects an ongoing debate about whether charity should be given based on merit, need, or at all. Ultimately, the statement that charity is based simply on what people deserve is False, as charity encompasses a wide range of motivations and ethical considerations beyond just deserts.