Altruism

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses altruism and some of the sociological theories that are used to explain acts of altruism. The paper maintains that only the social-cognitive theory of altruism can explain why there are so many examples of extreme, yet commonly shared moments of altruism, where people risk their lives to help others, as well as examples of people in the same society that show extreme selfishness. The paper discusses the firefighters and citizens that risked their lives to save strangers in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11th in New York City as examples of altruism and the lack of aid given victims of Hurricane Katrina as an example of selfishness. Social-cognitive theory is used to explain both types of responses.

From the Paper:

"Philosopher Peter Unger points out that while most people would argue that it is a moral obligation for a person to jump into a river and muddy their clothes to save a drowning child, if they are physically capable of doing so, millions refuse to give to charity. "The Envelope. In your mail, there's something from UNICEF. After reading it through you correctly believe that, unless you soon send in a check for $100, then, instead of each living many more years, over thirty more children will die soon". But people throw the UNICEF envelope out and buy a new pair of shoes instead."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Consumerism and altruism." (2007). Helping others: Altruists International. Retrieved 5 Aug 2007 at http://www.altruists.org/ideas/society/consumerism/
• Gordon, David. (Spring 1998). "With charity toward too many." Review of Living High and Letting Die. Mises Review. Retrieved 5Aug 2007 athttp://www.mises.org/misesreview_detail.asp?control=104&sortorder=issueLecture Notes: Module Six. (2007).
• "What is altruism?" (2007). Helping Others: Altruists International. Retrieved 5 Aug 2007 http://www.altruists.org/about/altruism/

More papers on Altruism:

• Persuasive Essay # 129818 : "The Nature of Altruism"
• Analytical Essay # 136833 : "Altruism and Modern Living"
• Term Paper # 121641 : "Reciprocal Altruism"
• Persuasive Essay # 94220 : "Altruism"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: