Altruism Contributor(s): Ozinga, James (Author) |
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ISBN: 0275967352 ISBN-13: 9780275967352 Publisher: Praeger
Binding Type: Hardcover - See All Available Formats & Editions Published: December 1999 |
Additional Information |
BISAC Categories: - Philosophy | Ethics & Moral Philosophy - Psychology | Cognitive Psychology & Cognition - Political Science | History & Theory - General |
Dewey: 171.8 |
LCCN: 99022137 |
Physical Information: 0.77" H x 6.14" W x 9.46" L (0.93 lbs) 192 pages |
Features: Bibliography |
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
Publisher Description: Altruism, understood as doing something for someone else at some cost to oneself, is contrasted with selfishness. Ozinga argues convincingly that altruism is a natural part of human nature that it is not just found in a few rare people-- that it has evolutionary value and is exhibited in some manner by everyone. Nonetheless, most people seem to feel that selfishness rules human behavior. Altruism is considered an environmental addition to the human character, often seen as naivet . Ozinga attacks this view by examining the probable source of altruism--in the genes, in the concept of natural law, or in the instinct for social behavior. Various barriers to altruism are explored in the chemistry of a person, in terms of organized religions or ideologies, and in the goals people choose. Altruism, as Ozinga shows, is a multi-dimensional concept that can be understood and appreciated as a vital part of human nature. |
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