Understanding Altruism

Definition

Altruism can be defined as the selfless concern for the well-being of others. It involves actions that benefit others without any explicit expectation of personal gain.

Types of Altruism

1. Biological Altruism: This refers to behaviors that benefit others at a cost to oneself, but increase the reproductive success of the beneficiary.
2. Psychological Altruism: This is the motivation to increase another's welfare without conscious regard for one's self-interests.

Theories of Altruism

Evolutionary Psychology

• Kin Selection: According to this theory, individuals are more likely to exhibit altruistic behaviors towards close relatives because they share a larger proportion of their genes.
• Reciprocal Altruism: This theory proposes that individuals are altruistic towards others in the expectation that their altruism will be reciprocated in the future.

Social Psychology

Empathy-Altruism Hypothesis: This hypothesis suggests that altruistic behavior is motivated by empathy and a genuine desire to help others, without expecting anything in return.