Description
Book SynopsisLays the groundwork for a social theory receptive to altruism by examining the experiences described by altruists themselves. This work explores the causes of altruism and the differences between altruists and other people. It demonstrates how social theories may begin to account for altruism and debunks the notions of scientific inevitability.
Trade ReviewWinner of the 1997 Best Book Award, American Political Science Association Winner of the 1997 Best Book Award, Political Psychology Section of the American Political Science Association
Table of ContentsThe Human Face of AltruismAcknowledgmentsIntroduction3Ch. 1The Puzzle of Altruism6Ch. 2The Entrepreneur27Ch. 3The Philanthropist41Ch. 4The Heroine63Ch. 5Rescuers of Jews in Nazi Europe91Ch. 6Sociocultural Attributes of Altruism121Ch. 7Economic Approaches to Altruism137Ch. 8Explanations from Evolutionary Biology161Ch. 9Psychological Discussions of Altruism179Ch. 10The Altruistic Perspective: Perceptions of a Shared Humanity197Ch. 11Perspective and Ethical Political Acts: Initial Thoughts217Conclusion233Notes239Bibliography271Index285
