Not A Poll: Does Motivation Affect Morality?

[Mermaid]

My first instinct conflicts with my logical brain.

The moral wrong they committed was equivalent. One act was selfish and the other selfless, and an act of survival. I can't blame person 2 and would probably do the same thing.

A very good thought exercise.

What moral wrong? How was one act selfless, and an act of survival? You would also only donate to publicly compete with some other person who donated?

How is it a good thought exercise?

Maybe I should've just replied with a big question mark.

I am talking about the found money scenario, but the donation scenario is an equally interesting thought. It makes me think about the motivations behind my own charitable acts. I have found money before, and have returned or attempted to return it to its owner. But why? Did I think it was the right thing to do, or was I motivated by appearing moral and good by other people? Have I made charitable donations because I am selfless, or because it makes me look better to others? Or is it done to feel better about myself? Is that a selfish act itself?

The selfless act committed with the found money was not a material purchase for self gratification. But it was motivated by that just the same, the health of a child, or at least one could argue that it was.