> The very idea that there is some measusable "utility" to compare in the two cases, independent from your moral values and sentiments, is inane.
There's philosophical charity, in the sense of your ability to put aside your judgments to listen and gain knowledge. That can be measured. Simply ask "You know this?" and count how many no's. There's some things we will never know that are very important, like dying or being created. From those you can get to real altruism. Caring for others is the natural state of humanity and makes humans strong, nice and beautiful. Selfishness is unnatural, weak, hateful, and ugly. Whatever created you cared about you and helped you, gave you the capacity for joy and happiness. Sooner than you think you will be abandoned by everything and those will be taken away and you will be in need. It's better for you to help others than just helping yourself. Personal sacrifice is not needed. It's not okay to be hurt or be a victim. Interior motives are irrelevant. It's better if everyone in the world is cured than just you while everyone else dies.
There's philosophical charity, in the sense of your ability to put aside your judgments to listen and gain knowledge. That can be measured. Simply ask "You know this?" and count how many no's. There's some things we will never know that are very important, like dying or being created. From those you can get to real altruism. Caring for others is the natural state of humanity and makes humans strong, nice and beautiful. Selfishness is unnatural, weak, hateful, and ugly. Whatever created you cared about you and helped you, gave you the capacity for joy and happiness. Sooner than you think you will be abandoned by everything and those will be taken away and you will be in need. It's better for you to help others than just helping yourself. Personal sacrifice is not needed. It's not okay to be hurt or be a victim. Interior motives are irrelevant. It's better if everyone in the world is cured than just you while everyone else dies.