Altruism and Psychological Egoism

Part One:

1. What essentially motivates humans to be altruistic and compassionate?

Some believe that humans act altruistically only to reap selfish benefits, as in the idea of universal egoism; however, there are several positive motivations that influence someone to be compassionate. For example, in Charles Darwin’s second theory of natural selection, he states that humans and animals have a motivation to cooperate and promote survival, because “helping is essential to life.” Also, humans have a motivation to help because doing so gives life meaning. For instance, in the book “Firehouse” by David Halberstam, firefighters claim that their motivation to help total strangers is to give their lives meaning, and to “do something of value, something that matters in the community” (pg. 66-67). Some people are also inspired by their religion or beliefs, as in the case of Keziah Furth, who helped people in Haiti after the earthquake. While in Haiti, one of Keziah’s greatest motivations was god. Lastly, many humans are motivated to help by their universe of obligation, in which they feel a sense of responsibility for specific people. This idea is mainly demonstrated in kin selection, in which altruism first occurs within kin, and the fact that parents have a strong motivation to make their kids happy.

2. Why did Darwin change his original theory of natural selection, and how does his new theory relate to human behaviors regarding altruism?

Darwin’s original theory explained that the primary concern of organisms was their own survival. However, Darwin later realized that cooperation increases the chance of survival, rather than competition. Meerkats demonstrate this theory because this species looks out for other animals, and gives warning signals to these animals if there is any sign of danger. Also, vampire bats demonstrate Darwin’s later theory because vampire bats that were able to obtain blood for food regurgitate the blood for those bats that were not able to obtain any. By acting altruistically, these animals are increasing their chances of survival. Darwin’s new theory relates to human behaviors regarding altruism because humans have “the desire to help one another even if it involves a cost to the helper.” For example, the firefighters risk their lives every day to increase the survival of other human beings. Darwin also discovered that individuals act for the good of the group. This theory relates to the concept of kin selection, in which people act for the well being of their family and friends. It also relates to the universe of obligation of humans, in which they first help their tribes/clan, then their theological groups, then the people of the same nationality. According to Darwin, by acting for the good of the group and cooperating between each other, both humans and animals will increase their chances of survival.

3. How does the concept of reciprocal altruism demonstrate the goodness of human nature?

Reciprocal altruism is when “an organism acts in a manner that temporarily reduces its fitness while increasing another organism’s fitness, with the expectation that kindness will be reciprocated.” It is proven that unselfishness activates the reward part in the brain, which shows that people feel rewarded when they help others, and often feel pleased when others help him or her. For example, in the Bememba Tribe, if someone breaks a rule, they are loved and praised instead of punished. By receiving kindness from their community, this person is more likely to reciprocate that kindness by not doing anything bad again. Also, in the liberty mutual adds, people act altruistically because they are pleased when someone else performs a kind act for them. Kindness is almost contagious in this way, and inspires others to do good deeds and reciprocate the kindness.

Part Two:

I think it is true that psychological egoism exists, for everyone in one way or another acts to satisfy their own needs. Especially considering that psychological egoism does not include selfishness, many people subconsciously act in their own self-interest. However, this does not mean that these people cannot have altruistic desires, and also act to benefit others. People are hard wired to be compassionate and will naturally help those in distress. For example, when you empathize with someone, “the stronger the empathy, the more likely you lose sense of your own needs and become more motivated to act.” Humans have the capacity to act in a way that benefits only themselves, but to also act in a way that benefits others. I think for the most part human behaviors naturally consist of both psychological egoism and altruism, for one’s desires can benefit themselves, as well as others.