Ethics are affected by the how society currently operates
1 true
2 false

true

Explanation:

Cite: paragraph 10, under the section "Altruism and Connectedness".

Explanation:

This is the author's final conclusion on the subject. He clearly believes that altruism is part of human nature. Being empathetic, or relating to the thoughts, feelings, emotions of others is also part of what makes us human. He has a very optimistic view of human nature. The author does not agree with the scientists who are trying to "explain away altruism" as something originally Darwinian, that never evolved out of us. Instead, he says "we should celebrate it as a transcendence of seeming separateness," meaning we should be able to clearly observe how humans have this "ability" to feel for each other and then help one another, because it is an experience beyond what is considered "the norm". Scientists, in general, don't really like things they can't explain or understand. Until the time comes, where empathy and altruism are clearly understood in human behavior - it's a pretty safe assumption (at least according to the author), that science will never agree there's a connection between empathy and altruism. They will firmly stand by their belief that if humans have this at all, it's for selfishness and selfish reasons alone. Finally, he (the author) states "Rather than being unnatural, altruism is an expression of our most fundamental nature — that of connectedness." In sense, these capabilities to experience empathy and then act upon it through altruism, are the most human thing about us, and what separates us the most from wild animals.