Altruism

Ozinga, James R.

ISBN 10: 0275967352 / ISBN 13: 9780275967352

Published by ABC-CLIO, 1999

About this Item

An examination of why altruism exists and what the physical and psychological origins and evolutionary value of altruism might be. It argues that altruism is a natural part of human nature and that it is not just found in a few rare people - it is exhibited in some manner by everyone. Num Pages: 192 pages, black & white illustrations. BIC Classification: HPQ; HPS; JMH; JMR; JPA. Category: (P) Professional & Vocational; (UP) Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly; (UU) Undergraduate. Dimension: 229 x 152 x 14. Weight in Grams: 478. . 1999. Hardback. . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland.

Seller Inventory # V9780275967352

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Altruism
• Publisher: ABC-CLIO
• Publication Date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0275967352
• ISBN 13: 9780275967352
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

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 naiveté.

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.

About the Author

JAMES R. OZINGA is Professor of Political Science at Oakland University./e He has written six books dealing with political philosophy and East-Central European government and politics.