WHAT IS ALTRUISM? DEFINITION ESSAY

Despite Darwin’s views to the contrary, nature is full of examples of altruism and nowhere more so than in human societies. Altruism, the opposite of egoism, is a complex concept and seems completely at odds with all we know about nature and evolution yet is this really the case? What exactly is altruism? What are some barriers to altruism and how can it be fostered? Do your research and write a definition essay.

Familiarize yourself with the topic:

·        “Altruism and prosocial behavior: definition & predictors” http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/altruism-and-prosocial-behavior-definition-predictors.html#lesson

·        “Barriers to altruism” http://prezi.com/v5i_pozfzen1/barriers-to-altruism/  

Reading material to annotate:

·         “What is altruism?” http://psychology.about.com/od/aindex/g/what-is-altruism.htm

·         “What is altruism?” http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/altruism/definition

Videos to watch and make notes on:

·         “The why and how of altruism” https://www.ted.com/talks/peter_singer_the_why_and_how_of_effective_altruism

·         “Richard Dawkins on altruism and the selfish gene” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8C-ntwUpzM

“Happiness is altruism” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n10oBQsz9Zc

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/