altruistic behavior
Acting for others
Altruistic behavior is action that benefits others at some cost to oneself, without expectation of reward.
The term appears frequently in biology and psychology, where researchers debate whether any behavior is truly selfless or whether hidden benefits—social approval, genetic advantage, good feelings—always motivate helping.
The study examined altruistic behavior in primates.
In everyday use, it simply describes generous or self-sacrificing conduct.
- reciprocityMutual exchange of actions
- paying it forwardRepaying kindness to strangers
- empathySharing another's emotions
- compassionConcern for others' distress
- warm glowGentle heat and light
helping hand · utilitarianism · self-sacrifice · selfless act · cooperation · social norms · intrinsic reward · guilt · deontology · human dignity · emotional intelligence · moral duty · evolutionary psychology · consequentialism · group cohesion · moral reasoning · genetic predisposition · trust-building
altruistic behaviorselfishness
Excessive concern for oneself
egoism · self-interest · self-centeredness · looking out for number one · greed
altruistic behaviorcruelty
Deliberate harm-causing disposition
malice · predatory behavior · exploitation · antisocial behavior · callousness
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