Varieties of Altruism and the Common Ground Between Them
Author(s)
Humphrey, Nicholas
Abstract
Kin-selected altruism and reciprocal altruism, traditionally categorized separately, may share more commonality than originally theorized. Rather than viewing these as separate traits, researchers should see human behavior supports a model of a more general altruistic trait based on reciprocity. The reciprocal altruist may have a genetic stake in helping a friend, while the kin altruist can benefit socially from helping relatives, even when seemingly disinterested.
