The Intellectual Standard
Abstract
Altruism, in its purest sense, can be defined as an unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others. An altruistic act is one in which the person or animal benefiting from the act is the only one benefiting from it, and the person or animal performing the act gains nothing or is even harmed by the act. Truly altruistic acts are completely void of selfishness. One would like to believe that altruism could exist in its purest form; however, this devotion to the welfare of others cannot and does not exist in nature over time.
Recommended Citation
O'Shea, Kyle
(2012)
"Survival Of The Selfish:Natural Selection And The Myth Of Altruism,"
The Intellectual Standard: Vol. 2:
Iss.
2, Article 5.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/tis/vol2/iss2/5