A Good Willed Selfless Act ?

   In class we ventured into Kant. In the course of this discussion we came across the idea of “The Good Will” .This is, doing an action that you would consider good, even if the consequences of said action is not a positive one. In class we gave the example of hiding someone in your home, who is running from an axe murderer. When the murderer comes to your door asking for the person, you send him in a random direction, however unbeknownst to you, the person has left out the back door in that very direction. This may end badly, however your intent was purely good. 

   I ask, where was this definition when we repeatedly debated  in class, whether there was a such thing as a selfless act? In my opinion it would have made the separation of the act itself and the consequences of the act an easier process. I also believe it would have created a more explicit criteria for what we consider a selfless act to be. Often times in class we argued that many people participate in philanthropy knowing the societal rewards they could have received. Due to this knowledge some of us argued this disqualified the act as selfless. However, had we been able to separate the intent from the consequences, I am convinced, certain peoples arguments would have changed. 

   It is impossible to predict the consequences of an action. While some are more probable than others, and based off experience we can assume the consequences of such actions,  but they are not guaranteed. It is not a guarantee that someone will say,“bless you” each time you sneeze. Just as so, it is not guaranteed that someone will admire a charitable donation and say thank you. This, however does not take away the intent behind your charitable donation. You had no way of guaranteeing the reward of a thank you. 

   No, I am not arguing that each time someone does an act that appears to be selfless, that they have a good intent.  I am simply saying that if we, like in the idea of good will, separate a good intention, from whatever consequence, would it not be easier to define an act as selfless? 

   Or am I completely wrong to even apply the idea of “The Good Will” to the idea of a selfless act? Or Does a selfless act employ the use of a good will, thus causing the two to be permanently intertwined? I need your opinions peers. 

-Voni