The Best of Intentions.

Continuing on the train of thought of my previous post, this morning I was doing some research into aggressive behaviour. (I don't really intend to draw parallels between aggressive behaviour and fight club here -- just to clarify. The previous post to which I am referring to is the one about prosocial and altruistic behaviours) Hahaha. It may not be blatantly obvious why the two concepts are interrelated, but from what I can gather.. there are two broad types of social behaviour that an individual may engage in. 

These social behaviours are supposedly grounded in the intent one has -- and in basic terms, whether the individual aims to help or to hinder the development or condition of the people surrounding them. In terms of "helping", altruism is the main characteristic one may develop. And in terms of "hindering", aggression is thought to be the most relevant developmental outcome.
 
Defined something along the lines of "a thought, feeling, intent or physical behaviour which is aimed to harm or displease another being", aggression becomes an interesting concept in itself. It's probably used to encompass a much broader spectrum of behaviours than I would ever have imagined.

If the basis of these behaviours is grounded in intent though, when does a lack of altruism become the basis for aggression? 

I'm no where close to having an answer for the question, but I find it interesting all the same. Especially when considering the type of world we're currently living in.

I guess the "war on terror" springs to mind as the obvious example of my internal dilemma. 

Is it altruism or aggression which drives a "convicted" person into harming a certain type of other?

I'm admittedly leaning towards agression as a base -- being that I believe altruism to be a complete bunch of bolderdash. 

But if a person TRULY believes that the future of themselves, their loved ones and perhaps even mankind, depended on the eradication of a group of people or a certain ideology...

Could that be considered altruism?

I don't know. I'm certainly not looking to justify or even understand such terrible occurences. Nor am I saying I'm anything remotely close to qualified when it comes to answering that question.

It's just interesting.