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The Heart of Kindness: Understanding Altruism through Evolution and PersonalityPerspectives
Miranda L. Daniel
National University
PSYCH 429: Intro to Personality Theory
Mrs. Tess Emminger
April 15, 2024
, Altruism, is an act of selflessness like helping others without expecting anything in return, is a
deeply-rooted aspect in human behavior that has intrigued psychologists for years.This paper
will talk about the complex dynamics of altruism, by drawing insights from evolutionary
psychology, personality theories, and real-life examples. By better understanding the motivations
behind altruistic acts, we can gain valuable insights into the complexities of human nature and
the importance of compassion in society.
Evolutionary Explanations for Altruism
Evolutionary psychology gives valuable insights into the origins of altruism, by shedding light
on the complex interactions between genetics and social behavior. A prominent theory in
evolutionary psychology is kin selection. Kin selection posits that individuals are more inclined
to help their biological relatives because it increases the likelihood of passing down shared genes
(Hamilton, 1964). This concept suggests that altruistic behaviors directed towards relatives can
be seen as a way of promoting one's own genetic legacy, as helping relatives increases the
chances that genes shared by the helper and the recipient will be passed onto future generations.
Another important concept in evolutionary psychology is called reciprocal altruism, as proposed
by Trivers (1971). This theory suggests that individuals help others with the expectation of
receiving help in return, creating a system of mutual assistance that promotes social cohesion and
cooperation within groups. By engaging in reciprocal altruism, individuals can increase their
chances of survival and reproduction by forming cooperative relationships with others.
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