Theories of Altruism Contrast two theories of altruism.

The importance of altruism in human relationships Altruism is an expression of concern for the welfare of others without any obvious benefit or motivation on the part of the individual expressing the concern. It is actually quite difficult to find examples of true altruism in the psychological sense, as many acts which are perceived as altruistic actually carry psychological rewards.

Evolution of Altruism How can Altruism evolve? If the recipient of the altruistic act benefits, it is going to leave more offspring. It does not overtly benefit the actor in this situation. If such behavior is heritable, and it goes on over many generations, it will ultimately die out. This has lead to many theories related to altrusim.

Theories of Altruism Psychologists have suggested a number of different theories for why altruism exists, including: Evolutionary Reasons:  We may be more altruistic towards those we are related to because it increases the odds that our blood relations will survives and transmit their genes to future generations. Brain Reward Centers: Altruism activates reward centers in the brain. Neurobiologists have found that when engaged in an altruistic act, the pleasure centers of the brain become active.

Theories of Altruism Cognitive Reasons: While the definition of altruism involves doing for others without reward, there may still be cognitive incentives that are not obvious. For example, we might help others to relieve our own distress or because being kind to others upholds our view of ourselves as kind, empathetic people (self-schemas). Cultural Reasons: It has been argued that culture induces altruistic behavior by shaping and misdirecting tendencies toward kinship altruism and reciprocity. 

Contrasting two theories Theories of Altruism Kin Selection Theory Reciprocal Altruism

Kin Selection Theory Explanation Kin selection is an evolutionary theory that proposes that people are more likely to help those who are blood relatives because it will increase the odds of gene transmission to future generations. The theory suggests that altruism towards close relatives occurs in order to ensure the continuation of shared genes. The more closely the individuals are related, the more likely people are to help.

Kin Selection Theory Explanation Kin selection occurs when an animal engages in self-sacrificial (higher cost than benefit) behavior that benefits the genetic fitness of its relatives. The theory of kin selection describes how natural selection may be separated into direct and indirect components. Direct component: Offspring Indirect component: Relatives (He assumed that a cost/benefit analysis that considers relationship to the giver is what determines the likelihood of altruistic behavior.

Kin Selection Theory As a biological factor that influences relationships Key Distinction: The theory uses a reductionist (biologically centered) approach to explain altruism in animals.

Kin Selection Theory As a biological factor that influences relationships The kin selection hypothesis is an evolutionary psychology theory, based on the assumption of the biological level of analysis that behavior can be inherited. It has looked at altruism from a gene’s eye view and assumed that it only takes place logically between those who are relatives.

Brief Dialogue As a biological factor that influences relationships http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xqolai_eo- wilson-discusses-kin-selection_news

Group Selection Theory ( PoHR 1.2) Many species have a social structure in which individuals form groups and interaction among members within each group is much more frequent than interaction of individuals across groups. This has been explained through theories suc as social identity theory. When selection for a biological trait, often altruism, in such populations depends on the difference between groups rather than individual differences within a group, it is described as "group selection“.

Group Selection Theory ( PoHR 1.2) Group selection theories argue that a behavior may spread in a population because of the benefits they bestow upon identifiable groups even though they cause the individuals who exhibit this behavior sacrifice fitness by aiding the group. Group selection is possible when the accumulation of individuals into groups with a particular social structure promotes the fitness of group members. This allows for one to formulate loyalty and pro-social behavior towards the group, i.e. group survival.

Dynamics Group Selection Theory ( PoHR 1.2) Group Selection considers the biological benefits of behaving altruistically, the psychological components of altruism (perceived association to groups), the idea of social identity as a component of altruistic behavior. Group selection is possible when the accumulation of individuals into groups with a particular social structure promotes the fitness of group members. This allows for one to formulate loyalty and pro-social behavior towards the group, i.e. group survival. It also allows for altruistic behavior potentially being exchanged between individuals who are not related, but who belong to the same social group.

Dynamics Group Selection Theory ( PoHR 1.2) Group Selections become adaptive because groups of altruists will be more fit than groups of non-altruists under the right conditions (McAndrew, 2002). In other words, groups who include altruist have a greater survival rate than purely selfish individuals. It ultimately benefits the group, thus the individual, if one is willing to personally sacrifice for the group.

Things to consider… ( PoHR 1.2) What are the distinct differences between the two theories? What are limiting characteristics of both theories? Does either theory better explain the dynamic nature of altruism?