Altruism
Definition and Overview
Altruism is a concept in psychology, ethics, and sociology that refers to the principle or practice of concern for the welfare of others. It is traditionally contrasted with selfishness, which involves acting out of personal interest. Altruism can be distinguished into different types: biological altruism, reciprocal altruism, and psychological altruism.
Biological Altruism
In the realm of biology, altruism refers to behavior by an individual that increases the fitness of another individual while decreasing the fitness of the actor. This concept is closely related to the field of evolutionary biology, as it can explain certain behaviors in animal species.
Reciprocal Altruism
Reciprocal altruism, as the term suggests, involves acts of altruism in which there is an expectation of mutual benefit. This form of altruism is common in social animals who can recognize each other and can keep track of the give-and-take relationship.
Psychological Altruism
Psychological altruism means having a motivational state with the ultimate goal of increasing another's welfare. It is a traditional virtue in many cultures and a core aspect of various religious traditions and secular worldviews.
Altruism in Philosophy
In philosophy, altruism is often seen as a form of consequentialism. This is because the best moral action is defined as that which maximizes the overall "good" consequences on the population.
Altruism in Psychology
In psychology, altruism is understood as a motivational state that has the ultimate goal of increasing another’s welfare. Altruistic behaviors are often seen as selfless and are often considered as a virtue in many cultures.
Altruism in Sociology
In sociology, altruism is analyzed in terms of the social norms that encourage or discourage it. Sociologists also study altruistic behaviors in relation to social roles and expectations.
Altruism in Economics
In economics, altruism is analyzed in terms of individuals voluntarily acting in a way that benefits others. This is often contrasted with the concept of 'economic man' who is seen as inherently selfish.
Criticisms and Controversies
While altruism is generally seen as a positive trait, some critics argue that it can lead to negative outcomes if taken to an extreme. There are also debates on whether true altruism exists, or whether all acts of kindness are ultimately driven by self-interest.