True Altruism: Does it Exist? Term Paper by Spirittalk
An examination of the research on altruism and whether true altruism exists.
# 151600
| 995 words
| 4 sources
| APA
| 2012
| 
Published
on Jun 30, 2012
in
Psychology
(Social)
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Description:
The paper provides a summary of the arguments regarding altruism and whether or not true altruism exists. The writer then evaluates these arguments based on the literature and personal experiences. The writer concludes with his personal belief and the rationale behind his ideas.
Outline:
Summary of Arguments
Evaluation of Arguments Based on the Readings and Personal Experiences
The Concept with which I Agree and the Rationale for that Determination
Conclusion
Outline:
Summary of Arguments
Evaluation of Arguments Based on the Readings and Personal Experiences
The Concept with which I Agree and the Rationale for that Determination
Conclusion
From the Paper:
"Contemporary theories hypothesize that which one does has some form of internal or external reward; therefore, one's actions and behavior is goal-oriented with the ultimate objective of benefiting self (Batson, et. al 1981). If this theory is correct, one's feelings, thoughts, and actions with regard to others would be distinct, and the concept of interdependence invalid (Gore, & Cross, 2011). This is a form of self-construal that places one's personal goals ahead of one's innate need to be interdependent and altruistic (Nakashima, Isobe, & Ura, 2008). True altruism, on the other hand, is its own reward; even though helping another may produce feelings of self-satisfaction and relief, these feelings are but bi-products of one's actions or behaviors; therefore, any personal gains realized by true altruistic behavior are unintentional. One primary distinction between egoistic or altruistic motivations is the cost variable. A reduction in personal distress can be attained by helping or escaping. If this is the primary goal, the motivation is egotistic. True altruistic motivation requires the desire to reduce the distress of another by way of assistance; in the case of true altruism, escaping is not a relevant factor."Sample of Sources Used:
- Batson, C., Duncan, B. D., Ackerman, P., Buckley, T., & Birch, K. (1981). Is Empathic Emotion a Source of Altruistic Motivation?. Journal of Personality & Social Psychology, 40(2), 290-302.
- Cialdini, Robert B.; Schaller, Mark; Houlihan, Donald; Arps, Kevin; Fultz, Jim; Beaman, Arthur L. (1987). Journal of Personality & Social Psychology, April, Vol. 52 Issue 4, p749-758, 10p
- Gore, J. S., & Cross, S. E. (2011). Conflicts of Interest: Relational Self-Construal and Decision Making in Interpersonal Contexts. Self & Identity, 10(2), 185-202. doi:10.1080/15298861003684390
- Nakashima, K., Isobe, C., & Ura, M. (2008). Effect of Self-Construal and Threat to Self-Esteem on Ingroup Favoritism: Moderating Effect of Independent/Interdependent Self-Construal on Use of Ingroup Favoritism for Maintaining and Enhancing Self-Evaluation. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 11(4), 286-292. doi:10.1111/j.1467-839X.2008.00269.x
Cite this Term Paper:
APA Format
True Altruism: Does it Exist? (2012, June 30)
Retrieved May 19, 2013, from http://www.academon.com/term-paper/true-altruism-does-it-exist-151600/
MLA Format
"True Altruism: Does it Exist?" 30 June 2012.
Web. 19 May. 2013. <http://www.academon.com/term-paper/true-altruism-does-it-exist-151600/>