Analyse the different explanations and motives for helping and provide practical examples
1. Kin selection
2. Empathy
Kin selection is the idea that individuals are more likely to help those who are genetically related to them, as by helping their relatives, they are increasing the chances of their own genes being passed on to future generations. This theory explains why people are more likely to help their family members than strangers. For example, a mother may risk her own safety to protect her children, as they share a close genetic bond.
Empathy, on the other hand, is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. People may be motivated to help others out of a sense of empathy, wanting to alleviate suffering and help those in need. For example, seeing a homeless person on the street may evoke feelings of compassion and prompt someone to offer them food or shelter.
Both kin selection and empathy play a role in motivating people to help others, but they operate in different ways. Kin selection is more likely to influence behavior towards close family members, while empathy can extend to strangers and even animals. Ultimately, both explanations highlight the evolutionary and emotional reasons behind human altruism.