Altruism

A theory of conduct, inherent in atheistic humanism, which regards the good of others as the end of moral action. In opposition to divisive social tendencies and exclusive interests, altruism is evidenced in all acts of philanthropy and personal service made in a spirit of unselfish devotion. It has been argued that such behaviour is natural, since cooperation is more successful than competition in evolutionary terms - and also that all altruism is, at bottom, self-regarding, since it results in praise from others and a feeling of pleasure in having done the right thing. However, although purely altruistic action is probably rare, altruism is usually contrasted with egoism which leads to predominantly self-interested actions, and religion teaches an altruistic ethic. Both altruism and egoism require the recognition of individual, as opposed to group or tribal, responsibility for actions and a certain self-regard.