...Agreement Altruism is defined differently through schools of psychology. There is no monolithic approach relative to the varying definitions held by each field. Examination of altruistic action mandates a universal definition. At a basic sense, most researchers agree Altruism is a beneficial action for another organism at the cost of the acting organism. It’s paradoxical to use an economic paradigm to explain the cost/benefit analysis. The contradiction is exemplified in the need to maximize utility while minimizing use of resource for oneself. The formula utilized in economics is founded upon egoism dogma. Altruistic actions, in the grandest since, are inherently selfless. When utility is derived...
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...others: is selflessness really possible? Or is "altruism" merely doing things for others in order to feel good about ourselves? If human altruism exists, how does our neural system deal with it? The issue of altruism is complicated by the lack of agreement about many aspects of it, including its very definition. The word altruism, which comes from the Italian altrui, was coined in 1851 by August Comte to refer to benevolence (2). Although not everyone agrees today on what precisely altruism entails, the most basic definition is seeking the welfare of others (1). This definition is often extended, however, to include the necessity of some personal sacrifice on the part of the altruist; Edward O. Wilson defined altruism as "self-destructive behavior performed for the benefit of others" (1), (3). There is also an idea of reciprocal altruism, which is self-sacrificing behavior with the expectation that the favor will be returned eventually (4). If this behavior is motivated by the desire for future reward, it does not really fit the generally accepted definitions of altruism. In nonhuman animals, altruism is mainly seen in the form of one animal sacrificing or risking its life to save another. Studies of animals by researchers such as Hamilton, who worked with bees who sacrifice themselves to allow the queen to produce offspring with their genetic makeup, have led to an evolutionary explanation of altruism (4). One account of altruism in the animal kingdom is kin selection-that an...
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...Empathy-altruism hypothesis Empathy-altruism hypothesis is a prosocial behavior that states people are motivated to act in an altruism manner by the empathy they feel for others. Altruism is defined as a true desire to help those in need and expect nothing in return, not even satisfaction. Empathy is defined as a feeling of understanding the experience that another being is facing. Empathy-altruism hypothesis has a very important significance to American culture as well as cultures around the world because we all should strive towards altruism motivation to ensure our own survival in the future. Empathy has different elements and different levels dependent upon the situation and feelings felt by the observer. If the observer has empathy towards the observed, and not only feel what they are experiencing, but understand what they are experiencing then the observer is experiencing the two elements of empathy. A person with a high level of empathy would be an example of the empathy-altruism hypothesis. A person with a low level of empathy would be considered selfish. “Empathy is a vicarious emotional experience in which you feel and understand what another person feels.” (Bell) Empathy is a natural feeling that most people experience, it is if they choose to embrace this feeling and act upon it that determines their individual level and whether it will trigger altruism motivation. Altruism is a desire to help other people without a sense of obligation and to expect nothing...
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...Altruism and Psychology Adam Barker PSY 490 Capstone Course in Psychology Dennis Plunkett, MC, CC July 29, 2013 Altruism and Psychology The random act of kindness that I completed this week was buying an old man a coffee in front of me at Starbucks. He ordered a Grande Pike with room. I heard the order and said “I’ll get that miss” and without even hesitating handed over my card to pay for the drink. The older man look at me with a cracked smile and confused kind of look before muttering the words “you didn’t have to do that young man, but thank you” I replied with a smile on my face “no problem Sir”. Now, let’s look at a definition of altruism: Altruism involves the unselfish concern for other people. It involves doing things simply out of a desire to help, not because you feel obligated to out of duty, loyalty, or religious reasons. (psychology.about.com) When reading the above statement I think that it is important to point out the key words “unselfish, not because you feel obligated to out of duty, loyalty, or religious reasons”. By reading this it is my interpretation that in order to be altruistic you have to do something and NOT gain anything by doing it. What do you think? Now let’s breakdown the various reasons I could have done this: 1. To ensure that I did my random act of kindness as assigned by the school 2. To get a good feeling and a sense of pleasure, knowing that I helped someone 3. To make sure that I got points on my card 4. To speed up the process...
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...------------------------------------------------- Definition and origin of the construct (Dennis Organ is generally considered the father of OCB. Organ expanded upon Katz's (1964) original work). Organ (1988) defines OCB as “individual behavior that is discretionary, not directly or explicitly recognized by the formal reward system, and that in the aggregate promote. OCB includes three critical aspects that are central to this construct. First, OCBs are thought of as discretionary behaviors, which are not part of the job description, and are performed by the employee as a result of personal choice. Second, OCBs go above and beyond that which is an enforceable requirement of the job description. Finally, OCBs contribute positively to overall organizational effectiveness. Organ’s (1988) definition of OCB has generated a great deal of criticism. The very nature of the construct makes it difficult to operationally define. Critics started questioning whether or not OCBs, as defined by Organ, were discretionary in nature. Organ (1997), in response to criticisms, notes that since his original definition, jobs have moved away from a clearly defined set of tasks and responsibilities and have evolved into much more ambiguous roles. ------------------------------------------------- Multidimensionality The construct of OCB, from its conception, has been considered multidimensional. Smith, Organ, and near (1983) first proposed two dimensions: altruism and general compliance. These two dimensions...
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...Altruism is defined as the belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others and any behavior of an animal that may be disadvantageous for the individual, but that benefits others of its species (Oxford Dictionaries, 2011). The term “altruism” was coined by Auguste Comte (1798-1857), a French philosopher and social reformer and the theory was espoused by Prince Peter Kropotkin (1842-1921), a Russian philosopher, as the 'law of mutual aid (Sociology Professor, 2011). The altruism theory was expanded upon by William Donald Hamilton with his genetical theory of social behavior, also known as the Theory of Kin Selection and Inclusive Fitness. Hamilton used the behavior of bees to explain altruism. Bees exist and operate in a stringent social hierarchy. The workers are sterile, serving only to protect and fulfill the needs of their queen, rather than reproduce themselves. This was the focus of Hamilton’s theories of kin selection and inclusive fitness (Barash, 1977). Through his theory, Hamilton argues that an individual can oversee progress of his genes in two ways: through reproducing and overseeing the upbringing of his own offspring or, the altruistic individual can forego reproduction, and participate in the rearing of a relative’s offspring. Hamilton poses that in this incidence, many of the genes lie in common with the altruistic individual, thus propagating his genotype indirectly (Crawford, 1987). Hamilton also presented a mathematical...
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...Altruism Nandulal Thibeault PSY/490 May 11, 2015 Louis Wolner Altruism From an atheist’s perspective, altruism is impossible. There can be no such thing a selfless act because all behavior is rooted in subjective frameworks that are projected onto the external world. The belief that the highest good a person can do is self-sacrifice is a personal belief, and the drive to adhere to this belief is self-serving. To not adhere to such a personal belief would cause cognitive dissonance, and the many clever ways that humans avoid cognitive dissonance have been made evident (Chapanis & Chapanis, 1964). Gandhi preaches about detachment from the fruits of action in his translation of the Bhagavad Gita. Doing good works in service to others without attachment to the fruits of your actions, or expecting anything in return, is a working definition of altruism. However, I argue that is impossible to be detached from the fruits of your actions, because we cannot escape the nature of the unconscious. Psychological knowledge has made it clear that charity, altruism, and random acts of kindness are superficial; at their root is a selfish endeavor. Psychology has exposed the inner life of the brain. Human behavior is no longer attributed to souls, spirits, or other supernatural forces. In the rigid, skeptical, and reductionist corners of academia, free will and personal responsibility have been replaced by a deterministic perspective. Psychological principles such as behaviorism, cognitive...
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...13-Antonakis.qxd 11/26/03 5:38 PM Page 302 CHAPTER 13 Ethics and Leadership Effectiveness Joanne B. Ciulla T he moral triumphs and failures of leaders carry a greater weight and volume than those of nonleaders (Ciulla, 2003b). In leadership we see morality magnified, and that is why the study of ethics is fundamental to our understanding of leadership. The study of ethics is about human relationships. It is about what we should do and what we should be like as human beings, as members of a group or society, and in the different roles that we play in life. It is about right and wrong and good and evil. Leadership is a particular type of human relationship. Some hallmarks of this relationship are power and/or influence, vision, obligation, and responsibility. By understanding the ethics of this relationship, we gain a better understanding of leadership, because some of the central issues in ethics are also the central issues of leadership. They include the personal challenges of authenticity, self-interest, and self-discipline, and moral obligations related to justice, duty, competence, and the greatest good. Some of the most perceptive work on leadership and ethics comes from old texts and is out there waiting to be rediscovered and reapplied. History is filled with wisdom and case studies on the morality of leaders and leadership. Ancient scholars from the East and West offer insights that enable us to understand leadership and Author’s Note:...
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...13-Antonakis.qxd 11/26/03 5:38 PM Page 302 CHAPTER 13 Ethics and Leadership Effectiveness Joanne B. Ciulla T he moral triumphs and failures of leaders carry a greater weight and volume than those of nonleaders (Ciulla, 2003b). In leadership we see morality magnified, and that is why the study of ethics is fundamental to our understanding of leadership. The study of ethics is about human relationships. It is about what we should do and what we should be like as human beings, as members of a group or society, and in the different roles that we play in life. It is about right and wrong and good and evil. Leadership is a particular type of human relationship. Some hallmarks of this relationship are power and/or influence, vision, obligation, and responsibility. By understanding the ethics of this relationship, we gain a better understanding of leadership, because some of the central issues in ethics are also the central issues of leadership. They include the personal challenges of authenticity, self-interest, and self-discipline, and moral obligations related to justice, duty, competence, and the greatest good. Some of the most perceptive work on leadership and ethics comes from old texts and is out there waiting to be rediscovered and reapplied. History is filled with wisdom and case studies on the morality of leaders and leadership. Ancient scholars from the East and West offer insights that enable us to understand leadership and Author’s Note:...
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...Altruism and Pro Social Behavior Social Psychology Naomi Jackson Instructor Cheryl V. Browning Upper Iowa University ALTRUISM AND PRO SOCIAL BEHAVIOR One may ask what causes people to jeopardize their own health and well-being to help other people. What is it that inspires individuals to give their time, energy, and money to aid in the betterment of others, even when they receive nothing tangible in return? Altruism involves the unselfish concern for other people. It involves doing things simply out of a desire to help, not because you feel obligated to out of duty, loyalty, or religious. I’ve noticed that everyday life is filled with small acts of altruism, from the person who greets me going into Wal-Mart to the person who gives a generous donation to the march of dimes. Although news stories often focus on a greater scale of altruism, such as a person risking their life to save a child from a burning building that they don’t even know. To giving a generous donation to a local charity. Social Psychologists are interested in understanding why it occurs. Really, what does inspire these acts of kindness? What motivates people to risk their own lives to save a complete stranger? Altruism is one aspect of what Social Psychologists refer to Pro Social behavior. Pro Social behavior refers to any action that benefits other people, no matter what the motive or how the giver benefits from the action. While all altruistic acts are Pro Social...
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...1. Is Rand correct in saying that if you accept altruism, then you end up with lack of self-esteem and a lack of respect for others? I opined that Rand is incorrect in saying this. Altruism, according to Rand, is “willing to sacrifice your life for others.” This is consistent with the dictionary definitions of altruism such as “unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others.” By accepting altruism, a person showed that he has respect for the value of life. On the contrary, studies have shown that practicing altruism enhances personal well – being and affects the community positively as a whole. And because when we give, without expecting return is true charity. To some extend; due to vested interest, people are more willing to go the extra mile to help their family and friends as they are likely to suffer if their friends and family is at risk. However, it has nothing to do with neither lack of self-esteem nor lack of respect for others. 2. Is Rand criticizing ideal or reciprocal altruism? Do you think that she would differentiate between the two? Would you? It seemed that Rand is criticizing reciprocal altruism. It refers to the human social idea and expectation that if a person performs an altruistic act, other people will perform altruistic acts in return. She argues that to sacrifice oneself for another person will result in a threat to one’s existence and helping other is not a moral duty or obligation. However, I disagree, as I know that, “no man is...
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...The Effects of Emotions caused by Video Priming on Altruism among randomly selected Far Eastern University students Kristine Bernadette Batusbatusan John Rovic Guides Christine Joie Macauba Maria Carmela Orfanel Far Eastern University Abstract This study focuses on the effects of emotions caused by video priming on altruism. The experimenters want to know if there is a significant effect between emotions and altruism. Some related articles were gathered and one study by Over H. and Carpenter M. (2009-10) showed that priming by photographs evoking affiliations actually increase altruism for toddlers. The experimenters want to prove the same for emotions but this time, taking into account funny and annoying videos to prime necessary emotions. Subjects were randomly selected and divided into two experimental groups. A group watched a funny video individually and the other group watched an annoying video individually. The experimenter then accidentally dropped a cup filled with marbles after the subject finished watching and observed whether the subject will help or not. A Helping Attitude Scale test was given afterwards. Results were obtained and suggested that emotions caused by video priming has nosignificant effect on the level of altruism of an individual. Explanations for this was gathered and it came out that the subjects, regardless of the videos, did what they felt to do whether to help the experimenter or not. The emotions they felt after watching the video did...
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...In this dissertation moral capacity is considered to be a spandrel, the byproduct of natural selection. The first chapter of this doctoral dissertation deals with conceptual issues of the biological and psychological interpretations of egoism (selfishness) and altruism, and then, in the second step, it relates altruism to morality. To be more precise, it relates altruism to moral capacity which includes moral behavior, forming and maintaining moral beliefs, and moral judgments. The main subjects of the second chapter are the evolution of altruism and cooperation and the related problem of the units of selection. I critically examine the standard models for the evolution of altruism: group selection, gene’s eye view, kin selection (with remarks...
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...Hero’s perform honorable, courageous and noble acts in order to help make the world a safer place for people like us to live.In the Olden day’s a hero was a person who performed remarkable and impossible act in order to help and save others. In today’s society hero is a person who others look up to and wants to become when they are older. However, overtime the definition of a hero has changed simultaneous with the values, morals, and challenges of humanity that now a day hero’s face in everyday life. The the story of Beowulf, Beowulf himself is thought to be the hero of the story. The pagan hero appears to have certain characteristics such as bravery, loyalty, and altruism, which portray him as a hero. It is interesting how most modern day heroes like soldiers in the Army show equal qualities as Beowulf....
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...Mayville Jr. 1. Is Rand correct in saying that if you accept altruism, then you end up with a lack of self-esteem and a lack of respect for others? I would have to disagree with Rand’s saying “that if you accept altruism, then you end up with a lack of self-esteem and a lack of respect for others. The dictionary definitions for altruism is “the principle or practice of unselfish concern for or devotion to the welfare of others (opposed to egoism )” or “the philosophical doctrine that right action is that which produces the greatest benefit to others.” You would have to have self-esteem to think you were worthy to perform an act of selflessness. Say you came upon an accident on the highway. If you had low or no self-esteem, you would think that you would have no chance in being able to help that person. Most likely you would keep on driving. As for the lack of respect for others, that to me would be way off base. If you had no respect for others then you would never even consider helping out a stranger or anyone for that matter. Helping someone else would be below you and a waste of your time. Helping a stranger and looking for nothing in return is a prime example of respect for others. 2. Is Rand criticizing ideal or reciprocal altruism? Do you think that she would differentiate between the two? Would you? I would have to say that Rand is criticizing reciprocal altruism. Ideal altruism is an expression of concern for the welfare of others without any obvious...
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