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Altruism: The Illusion of Self-Interest Essay

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The behavior of altruism in an individual is when it brings more costs than benefits for the benefit of another individual. Altruism comes from the Latin word "Alter" which means "the others." This translation of alturism describes it relatively well. Another great definition of altruism can be found in a statement of Edward Osborne Wilson, an American biologist. According to Wilson, "Altruism is defined in biology, as in everyday life, as a self-destructive behavior for the benefit of other." (Recent Work on Human Altruism and Evolution) Another popularized theory by Richard Dawkins states that an individual who behaves more altruistic towards others who share its genes will tend to reproduce those genes. But since we always want …show more content…

Social benefits may have to be compensated by material gifts, or by provision of an equivalent social benefit with respect to the recipient. It is led by our personal beliefs and many also state that altruism is set by our genes. Reciprocal altruism is a theory which explains the evolution of altruistic behavior between unrelated individuals by natural selection. It was published in 1971 by Robert Trivers. But as more is given by the altruists more is expected to be given back. Since many would state that pure altruism exists, reciprocal altruism is the form of altruism which is being mixed up. Even if an altruist might not want to receive anything for it, he will still get a consideration for it, whether social or objective or any other kind. So even if an altruistic action looks like a pure action after it is over, it will always turn into a reciprocal altruism action. Many would argue that moral would influence in it as well as the opposite of altruism, ethics. Another two different main points which have to respect this altruism theory is the universal egoism and the moral. Although altruism and egoism are completely opposites, there is a connection between so-called selfish behavior and altruistic acts. The moral action is based largely on such application of the good or right ones. From the perspective of evolutionary biology, there can be no true altruism, because it would wipe-out itself, because true altruists do without, ultimately,

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