Describe the three different theories of altruism presented in your textbook. Can you think of an example of how each one of them may have occurred either to you or to someone you know?
What will be an ideal response?
One theory of altruism is personal gain. This theory states that people gain positive feelings because of being helpful. It further states that egotists will be more likely to help if there are incentives or rewards involved. An example of this might be someone dropping off a meal when you are sick. They do it because they feel good when they do. Empathy altruism is the idea that we are predisposed to help, as it triggers a natural caregiving response. The text states that this is supported because children as young as 18 months old have been observed helping an adult accomplish a task. A third theory is that helping is a norm of a culture. It further states that there is a norm of reciprocity that involves returning the favor when someone does something for us. Also, it supports the norm of social responsibility, where people are motivated to help those who have needs. Students will go on to give examples from their own lives.
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