Notes on Altruism

Defining altruism and biological altruism
Altruism, or giving without the expectation of reciprocity, is often considered a trait that is exclusive to human beings. Studies show, however, that other species that have "complex social structures" demonstrate altruistic behavior. Biological altruism, as evolutionary biologists call it, involves an animal that behaves in a way that "benefits other organisms at a cost to itself." The curious thing about demonstrations of altruism in non-humans is that such selflessness seems to run contrary the to Darwinian principle of natural selection, which holds that operating to support one's own interest will best support survival. Consider the Vervet monkey, which will verbally warn their fellow monkeys of threats even though their warning will place them in danger by calling a predator's attention to their own location. What is the pay-off in this situation? What awareness of potential pay-off does a non-human animal possess?

Is there a purpose for altruistic behavior in humans?
In the case of humans, psychologists argue that altruistic behavior has helped preserve humankind. They hold that humans are "hard-wired for empathy" and reap psychological benefits from "cooperative behavior." While it is known that humans are capable of understanding the consequences of their altruistic behavior, this is not necessarily true in cases of biological altruism demonstrated in the animal kingdom. How, then, did altruistic behavior develop and become commonplace among some species in the animal kingdom?

How is altruistic behavior beneficial to humans?
In humans, altruistic behavior is reinforced by physical and psychological benefits. Additionally, humans have several institutions, like religion, that reinforce altruistic behavior. All of the major religious or spiritual traditions, including Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, and Taoism teach of the spiritual, karmic, and/or psychological benefits of selflessness (Walsh, 1999). Almsgiving is an example of altruism that is supported by the major religions. Marcel Mauss, in his book, The Gift, explores the practice of sacrifice, almsgiving, and the "ancient morality of the gift."

Final thoughts
Humanity has, throughout its history shown approval of the altruistic. Altruistic behavior among humans is often reinforced on small and large scales, through personal fulfillment or public recognition for a good deed. Amongst humans, selfless acts seen as valuable, having positive influences on the individual and the community. Humans have the cognitive ability to perceive value in community behavior. Other animals, however, are not known to have that same ability, making their demonstrations of altruism curious, but touching examples of the goodness that still exists in the world today.

The following YouTube video may prove interesting:

Sources:

Walsh, Roger. (2000). Essential spirituality. John Wiley & Sons Inc.

Psychology Today. Altruism. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/altruism

An Argument for altruism. (2000, May 14). Retrieved from http://www.utilitarian.org/altruism.html

Philosophy Talk. (2008, August 30). Altruism. Retrieved from http://philosophytalk.org/pastShows/Altruism.html

Altruism. (2010, August 1). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved August 3, 2010, from
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Altruism&oldid=376533423