Apathy

[WingsOfTheNeophyte]

Apathy, as far as I can perceive in society, Apathy is seen in a negative light, but my proposition is, is Apathy really an immoral/unethical thing?

Is a person apathetic about suffering, yet donating more money, helping out more to those who are suffering, because rationally it good to help others and ease suffering, is this person not more moral than someone who cares a lot, yet does little?

 

[RealSorceror]

Apathy is pretty much nuetral and amoral. Of course, it could go either way depending on the circumstance.

 

[PassionFruit]

I can't really say I think apathy is a good thing, unless it depends on the circumstances. Like, when it comes to important issues that have impact on our lives, that's when I hate when people are apathetic. Or when there's an injustice happening, that's when I don't like apathy.

As far as your question goes, yeah I think it depends much on the circumstance. But I wouldn't a person who cares a lot an issue, but does little, they're doing something right? I mean, they may not have the power to really do something about an issue, so they can only do what they can.

 

[SemperFidelis]

If someone is donating money to a cause out of a recognition that it is a good thing, can we really consider them to be apathetic? I mean I would have thought that one of the signs of true apathy would be not getting involved in a situation one way or another ?

As for your question about the morality of apathy, I agree with the others in that I think it depends largely on what it is we are being apathetic about. I am fairly apathetic about football, yet I don't think that makes me either moral or immoral, however when we are apathetic about issues that have consequences for ourselves or others, I think it is at very least foolish to be completely apathetic.

Just my thoughts,

Steve

 

[TheOutsider]

Wanna know the difference between ignorance and apathy?

I don't know and I don't care.

 

[ranmaonehalf]

is it moral?
I dont know.. i really dont care....

 

[PassionFruit]

is it moral?
I dont know.. i really dont care....

Hmmmmm.......is this one of those circumstances in which apathy is moral or immoral?

 

[TheManeki]

Is a person apathetic about suffering, yet donating more money, helping out more to those who are suffering, because rationally it good to help others and ease suffering, is this person not more moral than someone who cares a lot, yet does little?

I'm afraid I don't understand this part: I would think that doing something to ease suffering, even if it is done on a rational instead of emotional level, means the doer is not apathetic.

While the root of apathy is a pathos, "without emotion," it has become more commonly used as a synonym for "indifference." Someone who does good and helps others certainly isn't indifferent.

Is the deeper issue the reason why someone acts on behalf of others, and if that reason is important? Or focusing solely on some kind of afterlife, neglecting making any positive impact on the world around a person?

 

[OldWiseGuy]

I've basically given up on humanity. Is that apathy?

owg