Hearts factor in voting calculus

National and Labour might like to think they can capture New Zealanders' votes via their back pockets, but philosophers say most of us will take more than ourselves and our wallets into account when it comes to election day.

As the parties battle it out with election sweeteners and promises of tax cuts, another sort of battle is raging in the minds of voters: individual good versus the greater good.

Stephen Davies, associate professor of philosophy at Auckland University, says there is a common presumption that people vote out of self-interest.

"But the fact of the matter is that people who live in a community have to look out for each other. There are many protections of minority groups that would never be there if everybody acted in a self-interested way."

Most of us are concerned about the quality of the community, he says, because "individuals won't flourish very well if we are surrounded by people who can't".

As Dr Andrew Moore, senior lecturer in ethics and political philosophy at Otago University, put it: "Even if people are just thinking about themselves, it's quite complicated. Most of us don't think the amount of money we have in our back pocket is the only thing that is good for us.

"We might think if it puts money in my back pocket but also reduces my access to publicly funded services then maybe I'm not better off."

There's also the possibility that one day we may be among those who need a bit of extra help.

"People might say I'm swinging along just fine now but maybe I will get whacked by a big injury tomorrow and need good access to solid ACC."

Associate professor Davies says individuals almost always have concerns for their children and grandchildren, "which may be self-interested but in a very extended kind of way".