What is altruism?
Journal of Economic Psychology
Short Title:
Journal of Economic Psychology
Format:
Journal Article
Publication Date:
2004/02/01/
Pages:
97 - 123
Sources ID:
48691
Collection:
Altruism
Visibility:
Public (group default)
Abstract:
(Show)
The paper defines altruism as charity. The second section of the paper criticizes three rationalistic (what is called “interactional”) theories of altruism, viz., the egoistic, egocentric, and altercentric perspectives. The third section criticizes three normative (what is named “self-actional”) theories of altruism, viz., the Kantian, the socialization argument, and “warm glow” story. The fourth section elaborates on three implications of altruism qua charity. First, while altruism differs from self-interest, it is still within the domain of rational theory. Second, altruism should not be confused with parental care or, what is the same thing, philanthropy. Third, altruism should be distinguished from honesty.