The concept of a transaction is useful. We do something for someone and get something in return. Or even more abstract: we do something and have something back as a result. The exchange rate varies but the act of exchange is always there.
What exactly is a gift, then? Rationally, it seems there may not be such a thing. After all, people give gifts to tilt the recipient’s disposition towards themselves—if we do trust rationalists to speak on these matters. Which… we probably shouldn’t?
Alright, even if you don’t intend to get something out of giving a gift, you still will receive it. Words of gratitude, better opinion of you, or just a shift in the mood. For the better if the gift is well-received, or for the worse if it’s not.
So the question stands. Is a completely “pure” gift possible?
And then, an enfilade of follow-ups ensues. How do we define “gift”? What about “pure”? Who is it giving or receiving something? What are subjects and objects?
I don’t have answers to any of those questions.