Is there really such a thing as altruism? Why or why
not? What motivates people to help?
please help me answer this question I don't know the meaning of Altruism?
Altruism is the selfless concern for the welfare of others. In order to answer this question you have to think why people help others (which is more philosophical).
I am always amazed at the opera in the back of the program the listings of contributors, listing them in categories such as
Grand Patron
Patron
Benefactor
Program Supporter
Subscriber
Contributor
Or on buildings the nice cast plaques with names on them? Or even at my church's "memorial" garden, bricks with names on them.
Altruism requires no extrinsic/external reward. The deed is self-rewarding (intrinsic). In other words, the good feeling you get — and possibly an improvement in your self image — is adequate. The plaques or listing of contributors are extrinsic. An anonymous donation would be intrinsic.
Here is an article that might help:
http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/Volunteer.html
I hope this helps a little more. Thanks for asking.
Altruism refers to the selfless concern for the well-being of others, where individuals act with the intention of benefiting others rather than themselves. It is a concept that has generated much debate among philosophers, psychologists, and social scientists.
To answer the question of whether there really is such a thing as altruism, different perspectives can be considered. On one hand, some argue that all human actions ultimately have some kind of self-interest involved, even if it is subconscious or we may not be fully aware of it. This perspective suggests that people may engage in altruistic actions, such as helping others, because it makes them feel good about themselves or provides personal satisfaction.
On the other hand, others believe that true altruism does exist. They argue that there are instances where people act purely out of empathy, compassion, or an innate desire to alleviate the suffering of others, without any expectation of personal gain or benefit.
The question of what motivates people to help is complex and can vary between individuals and situations. Several possible motivations include:
1. Empathy and compassion: People may be naturally inclined to feel empathy towards others and genuinely care about their well-being. The desire to alleviate someone else's suffering or help them in times of need can be a strong motivation for acts of altruism.
2. Social norms and expectations: Society often promotes and rewards prosocial behavior, such as helping others. People might be motivated to act altruistically in order to conform to social norms and gain approval from others.
3. Personal values and beliefs: Individuals with certain moral or ethical principles may be motivated to help others as a reflection of their personal values. They may see altruism as a way to live in accordance with their beliefs or religious teachings.
4. Personal experiences: Having firsthand experiences of adversity or receiving help from others can increase an individual's willingness to help others in similar situations. These experiences can create a sense of empathy and a desire to give back.
5. Reciprocity: While not purely altruistic, reciprocal altruism suggests that people might help others in the expectation of receiving help in return at a later time. This can be seen in relationships where there is an expectation of mutual support and cooperation.
In summary, the existence of altruism is subject to philosophical and scientific debates. Whether people act purely out of selflessness or if there is always a degree of self-interest involved is a complex question. Different motivations, such as empathy, societal norms, personal values, and personal experiences, can influence individuals to help others.