Dialectical tension generated by the grasping nature of human minds perhaps.
See Varela, Thompson, & Rosch (1993). The embodied mind.
I'll send the complete reference if you want it. They address the ethical
implications you identify between the perceived binary of self-social. I do
believe it is merely a perception, almost a compulsory one.
Cf Also, "The tragedy of the commons" (???) describes the tension generated
by herders, herding sheep on a shared common. Each knows it is their
self-interest to increase their flock size, each knows that to do so will
impinge on the others' ability to graze.
The difference is, perhaps, say, between looking at reading this email for
your own good and reading it for the good of humanity in general (VTR, 1993).
Sorry about the blurry refs, I don't have my library on hand and I'm
rushing as usual.
Phil
Phil Graham
pw.graham who-is-at student.qut.edu.au
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Palms/8314/index.html