Self-transcendence and sacrifice

S elf-transcendence is in various forms an essential part of modern moral theory. To be truly good, in a Kantian framework, is to transcend personal self-interest, self-love, in order to conform one’s actions to the categorical imperative.

Halbertal ( On Sacrifice ) observes that this note of self-transcendence means that sacrifice is inherent in moral theory: You “give up” our own interests for the sake of the greatest happiness of all, to obey the categorical imperative, to advance the common good, to protect the national interest.

Self-transcendence can take chilling turns. Halbertal quotes Himmler’s claim that the Final Solution was frightening for the Nazis who were called to become “superhumanly inhuman.” To achieve the final solution they had to make the ultimate sacrifice; they had to sacrifice their moral scruples in order to achieve the higher mission. Ordinary morality was a temptation that had to be overcome (70-1).