What is altruism and who is altourist? Who is an altruist.

Altruism

The concept of altruism was introduced by the French philosopher and founder of sociology, Auguste Comte. He characterizes them as selfless impulses of a person, entailing actions for the benefit of other people. According to Comte, the principle of altruism says: "Live for others." According to O. Comte, altruism is the opposite, antonym of egoism, and implies a person’s behavior and activity, which he brings to other people more benefits than it requires them to make any costs.

An opposition to this understanding of altruism is Charlie L. Hardy, Mark van Wugt, David Miller and David Kelly, who in their studies have shown that altruism and altruistic behavior are not associated with direct benefits, or with combinations of different benefits, but ultimately, in the long term perspective create more benefits than was spent on the commission of altruistic actions.

The belief that people should provide assistance to those who need it, regardless of the possible benefits in the future, is the norm of social responsibility. It is this norm that prompts people, for example, to pick up a book that a person has dropped on crutches. Experiments show that even when those who provide assistance remain unknown and do not expect any gratitude, they often help those in need.

Those who love, always strive to help their lover. However, an intuitive, unconscious desire to help does not have to relate to the human being with whom you are bound by a bond of love or friendship. Quite the contrary, the altruistic desire to help a completely stranger has long been considered proof of a particularly refined nobleness. Such disinterested impulses of altruism are quoted in our society extremely highly and even, as experts say, they themselves carry moral rewards for the troubles caused to us.

“No matter how selfish a person may seem, certain laws are clearly laid in his nature that make him interested in the fate of others and consider their happiness necessary for himself, although he himself does not receive anything from this, except for the pleasure of seeing this happiness.”

The main types, forms and practices of altruism

Moral and normative altruism

The moral, moral side of altruism can be understood through the moral imperative of I. Kant. An internalized by a person, this or that understanding of morality can become such an intrapersonal entity as a conscience, on the basis of which, and not from the pursuit of one or another benefit, a person will act. Therefore, moral / moral altruism is to act in accordance with one’s own conscience.

Another form, or one understanding of moral altruism, is its comprehension in the framework of ideas about justice or justice, the social institutions of which are widespread in Western societies. In the framework of ideas about justice, a person is considered as often ready to act disinterestedly for the truth and its triumph in the world of social relations, as well as against various kinds of injustices.

Actions in observance of obligations (which a person gives to himself or another) and expectations (which other people have in relation to a person) are sometimes considered as a certain degree of altruism. At the same time, often this kind of action can turn out to be a settlement action.

Altruism from sympathy and sympathy

Altruism can be associated with various kinds of social experiences, in particular with sympathy, sympathy for the other, mercy and goodwill. Altruists, whose goodwill extends beyond kinship, neighborly, friendly relations, as well as relations with friends, are also called philanthropists, and their activity is called philanthropy.

In addition to goodwill and compassion, altruistic actions are often made out of attachment (to something / someone) or general gratitude to life.

Rational altruism

Rational altruism is a balancing act (as well as an attempt to comprehend it) between one’s interests and those of another person and other people.

There are several areas of altruism rationalization:

The social psychology of altruism and altruistic behavior

With the development of empirical psychological research, such fuzzy concepts as altruism, utility, are gradually being replaced by the more common term “prosocial behavior”.

There are gender differences in altruistic behavior: women tend to show longer-term prosocial behavior (for example, caring for loved ones). For a man, more likely are unique “feats” (for example, during a fire), in which specific social norms are often violated.

There are also studies from evolutionary psychology that show that people survive through collaboration and normal reciprocity. As Herbert Simon put it, prosocial behavior has an advantage in a situation of natural selection / evolution, and in a sense, altruism can be considered as a program genetically embedded in a person.

According to socio-psychological studies of altruistic behavior, an important role in it is played by a person’s personal responsibility. Decision making requires taking responsibility for these decisions. If a decision is made by a group of people, then the responsibility for it is distributed among the members of the group, reducing the personal responsibility of each of them. As Dmitry Alekseevich Leontiev writes, referring to the research of social psychologists described in the book by Lee Ross (eng.)russian and Richard Nisbett (eng.)russian : “If something happened, if you feel bad, you need help, and people are walking around, not stopping, you can’t just call for help without contacting anyone. Choose any person, look at him and contact him personally and the likelihood that they will come to your aid will increase several times. ”

Other varieties

In the general concept of altruism, there are separate sub-concepts that describe some specific types of altruism. For example:

Notes

1. Soloviev. C. C. Justification of the Good, 3.11, I
2. Modern Psychological Dictionary / Edited by B. G. Meshcheryakov, V. P. Zinchenko. - St. Petersburg: Prime-Euroznak, AST. - 496 p. - (Psychology is the best). - 3000 copies. - ISBN 978-5-17-046534-7, ISBN 978-5-93878-524-3
3. Manuela Lenzen. Evolutionstheorien in den Natur- und Sozialwissenschaften. Campus Verlag, 2003. ISBN 3-593-37206-1 (Google Books)
4. Charlie L. Hardy, Mark van Vugt. Giving for Glory in Social Dilemmas: The Competitive Altruism Hypothesis. University of Kent, Canterbury 2006.
5. David Miller ’Are they my poor?’: The problem of Altruism in a World of Strangers. In: Jonathan Seglow (Hrsg.): The Ethics of Altruism .: Frank Cass Publishers, London 2004 .-- ISBN 978-0-7146-5594-9, S. 106-127.
6. David Kelley Altruism and capitalism. In: IOS Journal. 1 Januar 1994.
7. Jonathan Seglow (Ed.). The Ethics of Altruism. ROUTLEDGE CHAPMAN & HALL. London - ISBN 978-0-7146-5594-9.
8. Soloviev V. S. Justification of good. Part one. Chapter 3. Pity and altruism
9. Dawkins, Clinton Richard. Did morality arise in the process of evolution? // God as an illusion \u003d The God Delusion. - Colibri,. - 560 s. - 4000 copies. - ISBN 978-5-389-00334-7
10. Christoph Lumer. Rationaler Altruismus. Eine prudentielle Theorie der Rationalität und des Altruismus. Universitätsverlag Rasch, Osnabrück 2000.
11. Howard margolis Selfishness, Altruism, and Rationality. A Theory of Social Choice. Chicago and London, 1982.
12. Eagly A.H. Sex differences in social behavior: A social-role interpretation. - Erlbaum, Hillsdale, NJ 1987.
13. Hoffman M.L. Is altruism a part of human nature? In: Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 40 (1981), S. 121-137.
14. Ross, Lee D. (eng.)russian , Nisbett, Richard E. (eng.)russian  Man and Situation: Lessons from Social Psychology \u003d The Person and the Situation: Perspectives of Social Psychology / Translated from English by V.V. Romanian, edited by E.N. Emelyanov, B. C. Maguna. - M.: Aspect-Press, January 12, 1999 .-- 429 p. - 5,000 copies. - ISBN 5-7567-0234-2, ISBN 5-7567-0233-4
15. Leontiev, Dmitry Alekseevich.  Labyrinth of identities: not a person for identity, but identity for a person (Russian) // Philosophical Sciences  : Journal. - 2009. - No. 10. - S. 6.

References

• R. Corsini, A. Auerbach. Psychological Encyclopedia - Altruism
• PsyJournals - Altruism with pleasure: the psychology of volunteering

see also

• Generativity

Categories:

• Ethics
• Personality traits
• Motivation
• Actions and Behavior
• Social Psychology
• Core social values
• Social obligations

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

See what "Altruism" is in other dictionaries:

  - (fr. altruisme from lat. alter another) a moral principle that prescribes disinterested actions aimed at the good (satisfaction of interests) of other people. The term “A.” was introduced by O. Comte to fix the concept opposite to the concept of “egoism”; ... Philosophical Encyclopedia

Altruism  - Altruism ♦ Altruisme Auguste Comte (***) called altruism "life for the sake of others." So, to be an altruist is to be guided in life not by one’s own interests, but by the interests of another person (other people). In fact, this almost never happens ... Sponville Philosophical Dictionary

altruism  - (from lat. alter another) a system of value orientations of a person, in which the central motive and criterion of moral evaluation are the interests of another person or social community. The term "A." was introduced by the French philosopher O. Comte as ... ... Big psychological encyclopedia

- (Latin alter another). Feeling, the opposite of selfishness and arising under the influence of sympathy for other people. Dictionary of foreign words included in the Russian language. Chudinov AN, 1910. ALTRUISM [fr. altruisme Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

  - (altruism) Caring for the good or interests of others. The everyday opposition of altruism to egoism leads to different interpretations of the meaning of the first one. So, this term often means certain character traits, intentions or behavior ... ... Political science. Dictionary.

Humanity, selflessness, selflessness Dictionary of Russian synonyms. altruism see disinterestedness Dictionary of synonyms of the Russian language. A practical guide. M .: Russian language. Z. E. Alexandrova ... Synonym dictionary

Altruism  - (fr altruisme, Latin alter -.. Basқa) - basқanyң mүddelerі ushin өzіmshіldіktі tezhep, oғan zhanқiyarlyқpen қyzmet etuge dayyndyқty bіldіretіn іzgіlіk principle basқalarғa riyasyz, Paid іzdemey (tіlemey) Shyn, pelvis kөңіlmen kөmektesu, қol ұshyn receive, ... ... Philosophiesқ termderdің sөzdіgі

  - (Latin alter - another) - disinterested concern for the good of other people. Altruism is the opposite of egoism. moral principle, which consists in selfless service to other people, the term was introduced by O. Comte as the opposite in meaning to egoism. Big… … Encyclopedia of Cultural Studies

  - (French allruisme, from Latin alter different), self-sacrifice (in animals), genetically determined behavioral reaction (usually in adults), consisting in a kind of sacrifice of individual biological well-being, even life, ... ... Ecological Dictionary

altruism  - and m. altruisme m. & Lt; Lat. alter another. 1830. Lexis. Selfless concern for the welfare of others; willingness to sacrifice their own interests. BAS 2. Why do not scientists study public phenomena in the same way as they study the phenomena of struggle ... Historical Dictionary of Russian Gallicisms More

  Altruism  - this is the principle of behavior according to which a person does good deeds associated with selfless care and the welfare of others. Altruism, the meaning of the word and its main principle are defined as "living for the sake of others." The term altruism was introduced by Auguste Comte, the founder of sociological science. By this concept, he personally understood the selfless motivations of the personality, which entail actions that provide benefit only for others.

O. Comte put forward an opposition opinion on the definition of altruism by psychologists, who, using their research, determined that altruism in the long term creates more advantages than it took effort. They recognized that in every altruistic action there is a share of selfishness.

As the opposite of altruism is considered. Egoism is a life position according to which the satisfaction of one’s own interest is perceived as the highest achievement. Some theories insist that altruism in psychology is a certain form of egoism. A person receives the highest pleasure from the achievement of success by others, in which he took a direct part. Indeed, in childhood everyone is taught that good deeds make people significant in society.

But if we nevertheless consider altruism the meaning of a word that is translated as “another,” then it is understood as helping another, which manifests itself in acts of mercy, care and self-denial for the sake of another person. It is necessary that egoism, as the opposite of altruism, be present in man to a lesser extent and give way to kindness and nobility.

Altruism can relate to a variety of social experiences, for example, sympathy, mercy, compassion and goodwill. Altruistic acts that extend beyond the boundaries of kinship, friendships, neighbors, or any relationship of acquaintance are called philanthropy. People who engage in altruistic activities outside of acquaintances are called philanthropists.

Examples of altruism vary by gender. Men are prone to short bursts of altruism: pull a drowning person out of the water; help a person in a difficult situation. Women are ready for longer-term actions; they can forget about their careers in order to raise children. Examples of altruism are displayed in volunteer work, helping the needy, mentoring, mercy, selflessness, philanthropy, donation and more.

Altruism what is it

Altruistic behavior is acquired with education and as a result of individual self-education.

Altruism is a concept in psychology that describes a person’s activity, focused on caring for the interests of others. Egoism, as opposed to altruism, is interpreted in different ways in everyday use, from which the meaning of these two concepts is confused. So, altruism is understood as a quality of character, intention or general characteristic of human behavior.

An altruist may wish to be caring and fail in the actual implementation of the plan. Altruistic behavior is sometimes understood as manifesting sincere concern for the well-being of others more than about one's own. Sometimes, it’s like showing equal attention to your needs and the needs of other people. If there are many “others”, then this interpretation will not have practical meaning; if it refers to two, then it can become extremely important.

There is a difference between altruists, they are divided into "universal" and "mutual."

“Mutual” altruists are people who agree to sacrifice only for the sake of those people from whom they expect similar actions. “Universal” - consider altruism an ethical law, and follow it, committing good deeds with good intentions to everyone.

Altruism is of several types, which can immediately be interpreted as examples of altruism. Parental altruism is expressed in a selfless, self-sacrificing attitude, when parents are fully prepared that they will have to give material wealth and, in general, their own life to the child.

Moral altruism in psychology is the realization of moral needs in order to achieve inner comfort. These are people with an increased sense of duty who provide selfless support and receive moral satisfaction.

Social altruism applies only to people from the immediate circle - friends, neighbors, colleagues. Such altruists provide free services to these people, which makes them more successful. Therefore, they are often manipulated.

Sympathetic altruism - people experience, understand the needs of another, sincerely worry and can help him.

The demonstrative type of altruistic behavior manifests itself in behavior, which can be controlled by generally accepted norms of behavior. Such altruists are guided by the rule "as it should be." They show their altruism in gratuitous, sacrificial acts, using personal time and their own means (spiritual, intellectual and material).

In psychology, altruism is a style of behavior and a quality of character of an individual. An altruist is a responsible person, he is able to individually accept responsibility for actions. He puts the interests of others higher than his own. An altruist always possesses freedom of choice, because all altruistic acts are committed by him only at his own request. The altruist equally remains satisfied and not prejudiced, even when compromised by personal interests.

The origin of altruistic behavior is presented in three main theories. Evolutionary theory explains altruism through a definition: the preservation of the genus is the driving developing force of evolution. Each individual has a biological program, according to which he is inclined to do good deeds that do not personally benefit him, but he himself understands that he does all this for the common good, to preserve the genotype.

According to the theory of social exchange, in various social situations, a subconscious account is made of the basic values \u200b\u200bin social dynamics - information, mutual services, status, emotions, feelings. Faced with the choice of helping a person pass by, the individual instinctively first calculates the possible consequences of his decision, he correlates the expended forces and the personal gain received. This theory here demonstrates that altruism is a deep manifestation of egoism.

According to the theory of social norms, the laws of society insist that the performance of gratuitous assistance is a natural necessity of a person. This theory is based on the principles of mutual support of equals, and on social responsibility, helping people who do not have the ability to reciprocate, that is, small children, sick people, the elderly or the poor. Here, the motivation for altruistic acts is social norms.

Each theory analyzes altruism versatile, does not provide a single and complete explanation of its origin. Probably, this quality should be considered in the spiritual plane, since the above theories of a sociological nature limit the study of altruism as a personal quality and the identification that prompts a person to act disinterestedly.

If a situation occurs where others are witnesses to the act, then the individual who commits it will be more ready for altruistic action than in a situation where no one is watching it. This happens through a person’s desire to look good in front of others. Especially if the observers are significant people whose disposition toward himself is very valuable or these people also value altruistic deeds, a person will try to give his deed even more nobleness and demonstrate his disinterestedness, not expecting to be thanked.

If a situation arises in which there is a danger that the refusal of help to a particular person means that the individual will have to bear personal responsibility for it, for example, then he will, of course, be more disposed to act altruistically, even when he personally does not want to do.

Children generally display altruistic behavior through imitation of adults or other children. This is done before they understand the need for such behavior, even if others act differently.

Altruistic behavior, as a result of simple imitation, can happen in a group and a subgroup, in which other people that surround this individual do altruistic actions.

Just as a person shows sympathy for people who are like him, he also reaches out to help such people. Here altruistic actions are controlled by the similarity and difference from the person of those whom he helps.

It is generally accepted that since women have a weaker sex, that means men should help them, especially when the situation requires physical effort. Therefore, according to the norms of culture, men should act altruistically, but if it happens that a man needs female help, then women should act altruistically. This is a motivation for altruism, formed on gender differences.

This happens in situations where you want to help an individual of a certain age. So, children, the elderly are much more in need of help than middle-aged individuals. To these age categories people should show altruism more than to adults who can still help themselves.

Aspects such as the current psychological state, character traits, religious inclinations, relate to the personal characteristics of the altruist, affecting his actions. Therefore, when explaining altruistic actions, one must take into account the current state of the altruist, and his help. Also in psychology, personal qualities are determined that contribute to or hinder altruistic behavior. Contribute to: kindness, empathy, decency, reliability, and hinder: callousness, indifference.

What is altruism? Each person intuitively understands this definition. We all heard about people who, having managed to give up the possession of many material goods, devoted their lives to serving others. A person who has chosen altruism as the main lifestyle, as a rule, assumes responsibility for what is happening and sincerely wants to help those who are next to him. He already ceases to reason, based on personal gain, as well as forgets about individual aspirations. True selflessness is born only in an open and caring heart.

Altruism is a person’s desire to live for the well-being of others.  The term altruism was introduced in the 18th century by the philosopher François Xavier Comte. He argued that only altruism makes a person stronger, elevates him above circumstances.

Theories of Altruism

Speaking about theories of altruism, one should take into account the fact that each of them is based on a different approach to life. All theories in a certain way reveal an inextricable connection with each other.

Evolutionary theory

It is based on the concept of gradual moral growth of a person. According to this theory, a person gets the opportunity to spiritually grow and develop only in a situation when his inner nature will be involved, revealed in selfless service to others. Evolutionary theory says that the more educated people become, the more real benefits society can bring. A cultured person has every chance to achieve moral enlightenment, transformation of the soul.

Theory of Social Exchange

This theory suggests that each person, about to perform an action, first mentally analyzes his own advantages. The theory of social exchange consists in the adoption of mutually comfortable living conditions: helping one's neighbor, a person has reason to hope that one day they will not be left without attention and participation.

Theory of Social Norms

This theory suggests that a person acting disinterestedly does not have the right to expect a response to manifested goodness because society would not approve of such behavior. The theory of social norms teaches to act in good faith, based only on ethical and moral beliefs.

Types of Altruism

Based on the definition of altruism, we can identify its main types. Types of altruism are aimed at identifying the components of selfless service in different life circumstances.

It lies in each parent's unconscious need to take care of their child. Father and mother are often forced to sacrifice themselves for the future happiness and well-being of the baby. If their love were not selfless, they could not talk about altruism. Parental love is not limited by anything: it does not judge, does not seek its own gain, does not force it to become a "debtor". Many people take this kind of altruism for granted, and therefore do not at all consider it something unusual or out of the ordinary.

Moral altruism

Here we are talking about such highly moral acts that change a person’s consciousness: they awaken in him gratitude, openness, desire to be useful, not to depend on one’s own mood. Moral ideals are strongly associated with public attitudes and service to people. This type of selfless help is based on social beliefs. It is a public institution that sometimes dictates to the individual how she should live and what to direct her individual efforts to.

Empathic altruism

This kind of noble manifestation of the best qualities of a person’s character is based on the spiritual need to be understood and heard. Only one who can listen and support in difficult times, can pretend to be called the best friend and noble friend. This type of holistic dedication of oneself to another person allows the soul to really open up, to achieve complete understanding with close and dear people.

Examples of Altruism

Here it will be reasonable to give significant characteristics of altruism, examples of moral actions of a person, which allow determining the truth of good intentions of a person striving to do good.

Gratuitousness is a prime example of altruism. A true altruist, giving care and warmth to others, never thinks about what result from this action he will personally have. Such a person is ready to share disinterestedly with those who are nearby, his thoughts, aspirations, mood, opportunities. Material wealth for him, as a rule, are of little importance. Selfless surrender  makes him recognizable in the eyes of society. An altruist never demands anything in return. He is ready to selflessly help those in need, to heed the desires of other people. At the same time, such a person usually remembers himself and his own needs as a last resort. He is often bypassed when it comes to promotion, it comes to money or gratitude.

Sacrifice

Another example is waiver of personal benefits. An altruist gets used to sacrifice his interests, to sacrifice his own desires for the sake of happiness and well-being of loved ones. Sometimes it seems that he himself does not need anything. Sacrifice is formed in the character of a person who has made altruism an integral part of his life. Sacrifice is manifested in everything and especially strongly in relations with others. The altruist thinks ahead of others, and then about his personality. However, the "about myself" line may not reach at all: you can always find someone in need of help and comfort. Sacrifice is gradually becoming a habit of one who lives in the interests of his children, parents, and work colleagues. A person who has freedom of choice consciously refuses to live for himself and directs his attention to the needs of his inner circle.

Responsibility

Altruistic mood always involves acceptance full responsibility for their actions and actions. It is impossible to imagine an altruist selfish, not conscious of why he is committing all good intentions. Responsibility arises when a person realizes that he can really help someone. This example demonstrates how altruism changes personality.

Soul satisfaction

A person who has brought up an altruistic principle within himself, as a rule, begins to experience a significant spiritual uplift. This is an example of how beneficial it is to develop a tendency to serve other people. Reaching a state of mental satisfaction, he gets the opportunity to remain content with life, to commit pious deeds, to completely manage his actions. A person feels happiness when he has the opportunity to share joy.

Thus, altruism is a natural state of a person who reveals in himself the natural generosity and desire to be useful to others.

Altruism - from the Latin word "alter", which in translation means "other" or "others". This is the principle of moral behavior of a person, implying disinterestedness in actions aimed at satisfying the needs of others, with infringement of their own interests and benefits. Sometimes in psychology altruism is regarded either as an analogue or as a component of prosocial behavior.

The concept of altruism was first formulated, as opposed to egoism, by the French philosopher, the founder of sociology, François Xavier Comte in the first half of the 18th century. His initial definition was: "Live for the sake of others."

Theories of Altruism

There are three main mutually complementary theories of altruism:

• Evolutionary. It is based on the concept of "preservation of the genus - the driving force of evolution." Proponents of this theory believe that altruism is a biologically programmed quality of living things that maximizes the preservation of the genotype;
• Social sharing. Subconscious accounting in any situations of the basic values \u200b\u200bof the social economy - feelings, emotions, information, status, mutual services. Faced with the choice - to help or pass by, a person always instinctively calculates the consequences of a decision, mentally measuring the effort spent and the bonuses received. This theory interprets the provision of selfless help as a deep manifestation of egoism;
• Social norms. According to the rules of society, which determine the individual's behavioral responsibilities within the boundaries called norms, the provision of selfless help is a natural necessity of a person. Modern sociologists have put forward this theory of altruism, as based on the principles of reciprocity - mutual support of equals, and social responsibility - assistance to people who are obviously not able to reciprocate (children, sick, elderly, poor). The motivation for altruism in both cases is the social norms of behavior.

But none of these theories provides a complete, convincing and unambiguous explanation of the nature of altruism. Probably because this quality of a person should also be considered in the spiritual plane. Sociology is a more pragmatic science, which significantly limits it in the study of altruism as a property of a human character, as well as in identifying motives that encourage people to act disinterestedly.

One of the paradoxes of the modern world is that a society that has long and solidly hung price tags on everything - from material wealth to scientific achievements and human feelings - continues to generate incorrigible altruists.

Types of Altruism

Consider the main types of altruism, from the point of view of the above theories as applied to certain situations:

• Parental. Irrational disinterested and sacrificial attitude towards children, when parents are ready to give not only material wealth, but also their own life for the sake of saving their child;
• Moral. Realization of one’s spiritual needs to achieve a state of inner comfort. For example, volunteers selflessly caring for terminally ill patients show compassion, contented with moral satisfaction;
• Social Type of altruism, extending to the inner circle - acquaintances, colleagues, friends, neighbors. Gratuitous services to these people make existence in certain groups more comfortable, which even allows them to be manipulated in some way;
• Sympathetic. People tend to experience empathy, to imagine themselves in the place of another person, empathizing with him. In such a situation, giving someone support from altruism is potentially projected onto itself. A distinctive feature of this type of assistance is that it is always concrete and aimed at a real end result;
• Demonstrative. It is expressed in the automatic, at the subconscious level, implementation of generally accepted norms of behavior. The assistance provided from such motives can be characterized by the expression "as it should be."

Often the manifestation of mercy, philanthropy, selflessness, sacrifice is interpreted as altruism. But there are basic distinctive features that are only inherently complex to altruistic behavior:

Altruism helps to reveal the potential of the individual, because for the sake of others a person is often able to do much more than what he does for himself. Moreover, such actions give him confidence in their own abilities.

Many psychologists believe that the tendency to altruism in people is directly related to the feeling of happiness.

It is noteworthy that zoological scientists note manifestations of altruistic behavior in the natural habitat of dolphins, monkeys and ravens.

Altruism is a lifestyle aimed at serving people. This can be said as a character trait, a philosophy of life. Most often it is compared with and considered as the opposite of the latter and the desired style of behavior. But is it? Do I need to be an altruist? Or is it as bad as unhealthy selfishness? Let's figure it out.

“Be an altruist, respect the selfishness of others,” - Stanislav Jerzy Lets.

Altruism is a willingness to help, listen to, understand another person and even just the ability to recognize and accept other people's opinions and interests. The term itself was introduced by the sociologist O. Comte. And in the very first interpretation from the lips of the “father”, the meaning of altruism was: “Do so that your personal interest serves the interests of others.”

To date, this interpretation has been greatly distorted and equated with self-sacrifice, which already has nothing to do with altruism:

• Altruism is behavior that is useful in relation to other people, but harming or harming the altruist himself.
• This is an unselfish activity, activity in relation to creating good for other people.
• Altruism is identical with selflessness - this is what they often say now.

However, if a person does good to others, harming himself, then this is an unhealthy condition. We are talking about some kind of mental problem, perhaps, or a life-destroying scenario. Of course, in a relationship we can sacrifice something, sometimes make concessions and compromises, but on condition that this does not turn into self-destruction and self-humiliation.

Modern altruism is volunteering, charity, and mentoring. The mandatory characteristics of altruism include:

• responsibility;
• unselfishness;
• freedom and awareness of choice;
• feeling of satisfaction and self-fulfillment.

Theories of Altruism

Biological and Social

There is a theory according to which the genes of altruism are embedded in us, but this mechanism is turned on only in relation to close people (children, parents, spouses, friends and loved ones). If altruistic behavior is used too often, causing harm to humans, then smoothly this innate ability is completely supplanted. The best option for altruism is its use in relation to the same close altruists.

There is another theory. Until recently, it was believed that altruism is solely the result of education, social learning. But today, although this factor is taken into account, biological determinants play a dominant role. By the way, innate altruism is one of the elements uniting us with animals. But some differences exist:

• in animals, altruism is determined solely by biology and instincts;
• a person is capable of conscious, endowed with values \u200b\u200band cultural significance, altruism;
• human altruism is always motivated by something, not necessarily the survival instinct.

Despite the fact that the fact of an innate tendency to altruism has been established, the clear possibilities and strength of this natural feature have not been determined. Altruism contributes to the preservation of the human species in a broad sense. Protection of loved ones is an option for procreation and the preservation of their genes. Although not always this subtext is recognized.

However, a new contradiction follows from this: is it altruism if a person tries to preserve his genes and continue his family? Is it about healthy egoism? And if so, is egoism and altruism the opposite? So far, these questions are unanswered.

Social

According to another theory, altruism is always based on the expectation (conscious or unconscious) of reciprocal gratitude. The reward can take any form and form, but everyone wants to get it. In the context of this, we subconsciously want to be an altruist in relation to those in whom we see the potential to “give in full”.

Then the question again arises: is this selfishness? Is it possible to help people by actually sacrificing themselves, or is it all a form of egoism that wants us to feel important, meaningful, kind, in the end, passed for altruists? I think the answer is at the junction of positions: altruism is really a continuation of egoism, or rather they can be compared with "yin and yang."

The balance of egoism and altruism is important. What does it mean? Healthy egoism provides us with the safety and security of our "I", but altruism allows us to build relationships with other people and satisfy the desire to "be with someone." We are social beings, and nothing can be done about it. We need to be ourselves in the company of other people. For this, we need a balance in behavior models.

Reasons and structure of altruism

As a result of learning altruism develops:

• after a person’s sincere repentance of something;
• due to suffering or loss;
• with a pronounced sense of injustice of this world in a broad sense.

Altruism consists of philanthropy, compassion and a developed sense of justice. Without this complex, it is impossible to show altruism, moreover, neither healthy nor painful. Empathy is another important element. Without the developed ability to feel and the mood of other people, altruism is out of the question.

It is altruism that allows us to get along with people, build harmonious close relationships, and fulfill our responsibilities. An altruist does good because it is his inner conviction that his opponent would do the same.

The danger of altruism

Altruism deprives the person of himself. Thinking more about others than about oneself or thinking about others to the detriment of oneself makes one essentially deny oneself and acknowledge the superiority of another. But this is only one danger.

The second danger - the one in whose direction altruism is directed, begins to feel like a god and is gradually wallowing in selfishness. Thus, altruism is dangerous in two ways:

• loss of personality, self, altruist self;
• distortion of the image of “I” in the one in whose direction altruism is directed.

If we consider altruism, bordering on hyperprotection, for example, maternal, then for the object of altruism this is also dangerous by learned helplessness, dependence.

Do I need to be an altruist

Thus, altruism is useful and necessary, but in moderation and subject to responses. Blind and excessive sacrifice harms both the one who gives and the one who accepts. He deprives one of them, and the other independence and adequate socialization in the world.

Do not strive to become an altruist. It is necessary to participate in that which is mutually and mutually. Where benefits for themselves are combined with benefits for others. cannot be a one-way process. And these are the main processes in which a person participates.

Considering the basic concepts of altruism, psychologists can not unambiguously characterize it. It all depends on the true motives of the person (conscious and unconscious), as well as the consequences of altruistic activity:

• If the motives (needs) are not the highest, then the usefulness of such altruism is doubtful.
• If a person suffers from his own altruism, then this is a painful form of behavior.

Healthy altruism is an element of a mature personality, a way to satisfy the highest needs for self-realization and self-actualization. But altruism should never be the result of a violated instinct of self-preservation or actions by command, as well as a means to achieve other goals, for example, gaining power, dependence on the part of the ward.