Essay on Altruism Our Desire to Help Others - 2507 Words

Over the endless cycles of generations, human life has lived up to its fundamental purpose of survival. Not only have we survived as a species, but we have evolved into the most complicated species on earth. Creatures riddled with mystery, emotion, morality; we have outdone ourselves in overcoming our basic reset function of survival. We originated in the mindset of survive and reproduce only to morph into a race rooted in emotion and intricate thought. Darwin’s theory, survival of the fittest, calculates that humans basic goal and reason of life is to survive, and reproduce; to have only ones self in mind. But why then, if natural selection filters us down to survival of the fittest, might one creature stick its neck out for another?†¦show more content†¦Called the covariance or Price equation, this formula tested natural selection and altruisms role in it (Bankston). â€Å"From the Price equation, we can see that such ultimate causes equate to the different ways i n which the frequency of an altruistic allele in a population can increase. Under this approach, the ultimate causes underlying the evolution of altruism, given some positive fitness costs and benefits† (Marshall). One of the theories that Prices equation divulged is a concept called the selfish gene. The idea is simple: If helping another person will benefit the aiding individual in any form, the act is not pure selflessness. And in the act of Price accomplishing this formal equation about altruism, this meant that the trait could never be entirely altruistic in nature. This was a realization that Price, nor Darwin, could accept. Price finally underwent a conversion to Christianity and submerged himself in a life of pure altruism. Giving money, clothes, or food to homeless people and those in need, Price became the epitome test subject to disprove his own theory. Over time, Price became depressed, quiet, and very isolated within his own mind. This state of being led him to suicide over the Christmas of 1974 (Bankston). The total amount of suffering per year in the natural world is beyond all decent contemplation. During the minute that it takes me to compose this sentence, thousands ofShow MoreRelated The Causes of Altruism Essay1152 Words   |  5 Pageswith the decision to help others? The innate desire that compels humans to help is called altruism by psychologists. Through this feeling, humans transform from a selfish jerk to a more compassionate and caring person. Some psychologists believe that this feeling stems from nature itself. Despite the fact that some altruistic acts originate from the pressures of society, altruism predominantly comes from the survival of the fittest, the feeling of empathy, and the selfish desire to benefit your ownRead MoreProsocial Behavior : Behavior And Altruism1654 Words   |  7 PagesProsocial behavior and altruism are two topics that are being studied within social psy- chology to try to understand the motivation behind humans to help those in need. Resear chers have made various theories of why some people are more willing to help humans in need than other people and why people choose to help victims when they do. These theories do a great deal of explaining why exactly prosocial behavior and altruism occur when they do with regard to genetics, culture, and many other factors that mayRead MoreAltruism Of Society : Altruism1074 Words   |  5 PagesUISM IN SOCIETY 1 Altruism in Society Alicia Carnicelli University of Phoenix PSY 490 Stephanie Townes ALTRUISM IN SOCIETY 2 As per many of the responsibilities that surround my job description as a Caseworker, I administer a monthly teen group for adolescent girls that are at risk. These young ladies come from a host of environments that encase circumstances surrounding physical and/or sexual abuse, drug addiction, and other scenarios. As is customary with this demographicRead MoreAltruism And Egoism : A Moral Code Of Conduct1417 Words   |  6 PagesIn psychology, altruism and egoism are two contrasting views on morality, one holding that one should value principles/actions that benefit others over oneself, the other holding that not only are we innately selfish species, but that selfishness is how one ought to act. While both theories of morality are prevalent throughout history and cultures around the world, I will be examining the two sides of egoism: physiological and ethical, and how these can be connected to altruism. These theories areRead MoreThe Structure Of Development Of Brain1700 Words    |  7 PagesThere are various theories to how the brain has evolved since ancient times. Scientists consistently try to find new researches that helps us understand our past. Humans have much in common with animals biologically. We, humans share similar properties with animals, and of the many factors, morality and ethics are the driving forces that makes us humans unique to other animals. Although it has long been a debate to weather animals too have a sense of morality and ethics, or share a similar level ofRead MoreSinger s Proposal Of Effective Altruism904 Words   |  4 PagesSinger’s proposal of effective altruism is a combined philosophical and social movement that seeks to apply empirical evidence and human reasoning to find the most effective solution to better the world. The idea of finding the most effective solution to create social change draws similarities to the paramount utilitarian idea of the greatest happiness principle; the principle states that â€Å"a ctions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to promote the reverseRead More Altruism: Selfless or Selfish? Essay1622 Words   |  7 PagesAltruism: Selfless or Selfish? We are all here on earth to help others. What I cant figure out is what the others are here for. --W. H. Auden (1) Whether we are here to help others is a question Ive often asked myself, and a question I will not be able to answer while I am still here on earth. Perhaps before I even consider that question, however, I should wonder whether we even can be here to help others: is selflessness really possible? Or is altruism merely doing things for othersRead MoreThe Theory Of Effective Altruism968 Words   |  4 PagesEffective altruism is a movement that focused on both the heart and the head. It allows people to feel empathy towards others and use reason to make a decision that is â€Å"effective and well-directed.† Peter Singer, a moral philosopher, addresses an audience in a TED talk regarding effective altruism and personal obligation towards others. His effective altruism relates closely to the ethical framework of utilitarianism as well as deontology of philosopher Immanuel Kant. Peter Singer’s idea of effectiveRead MoreSocial Psychology Theories About The Development Of Prosocial Behavior And Altruism1520 Words   |  7 Pagesly take a longer time to receive help than if few bystanders present. However, if a person believes that someone is in need of help, then helping immediately when many bystanders are present may influence someone to join and then several others may follow (Zimbardo Sword 2015). So, taking direct action can influence prosocial behavior in others by indirectly convincing them that they too should get involved because someone else is helping. What are the primary social psychology theories aboutRead MoreAltruism : Is The Good? Us? Altruism?1596 Words   |  7 PagesAltruism: The Good In Us Altruism, a trait only some possess, but many strive for. There is more than one definition for the word though all seem to have the same bases that it is the unselfish concern for the well-being of others. Various individuals perform positive deeds to aid and assist others; however, psychologists who have studied the altruistic trait have inconclusive evidence regarding the idea of â€Å"true altruism† and what role selfish motives function within a â€Å"selfless† trait. As one