Can we talk about economic philosophies and politics?

[spoiler]Fair warning - I am by no means an economist, nor have I taken any economic classes outside of the intro classes I had to take in undergrad[/spoiler] What benefit is it to society to let true capitalism run its course? No government assistance programs, no "hand-outs", not "entitlements." Should we really support the "every man for himself" philosophy? Isn't it in our best interests, both as a country and as a society, to help those who cannot help themselves? We're only as strong as our weakest link, so don't we all benefit when we help each other? I understand that a great many don't enjoy paying taxes [or even go so far as to call it "theft"], but doesn't it help us all when we help each other; when we can provide for those who cannot provide for themselves?