Does Altruism Exist?

Interestingly, although this book also deals with the evolution of altruism, neither author references the other although both stress the centrality of action. The basic argument of this book is that, from an evolutionary viewpoint, altruism is linked to the functional organisation of groups. This makes no reference to individual brain function within these groups, although it is likely that this would be compatible and might even reinforce the argument of both books. The John Templeton Foundation played an important role in the genesis of this book through its programme on Big Questions in science. The word itself was invented by Auguste Comte in 1851, and it is interesting to note, contrary to what one might think, that the concept is absent from world religions - it is defined here as a concern for the welfare of others as an end in itself. When altruism is defined in terms of action and relative fitness within and between groups, it is found in all group level functional organisations. In humans, this manifests as teamwork, which the author regards as the signature adaptation of our species.

The later chapters of the book are devoted to a consideration of altruism in the context of religion, economics and everyday life. Religions promote altruistic action within the members of the community, but not always outside, although this is precisely what Jesus encourages in the Sermon on the Mount. The invisible hand and the work of Ayn Rand on the virtue of selfishness provide the context for a discussion of altruism in economics. The author takes the view that it is a monumental mistake to think that a large society can self-organise on the basis of individual greed - some structure to coordinate action and prevent exploitation from within is required (one notes widening inequalities). The next chapter considers important factors in pro-social behaviour drawing data from a study where it is apparent that the pro-sociality of the individual is highly correlated with their social environment. However, there is a pathological side to altruism, for instance in terms of co-dependency that can lead to a mutually destructive relationship. This book also ends on a positive note calling for planetary altruism expressed in choosing policies with the welfare of the whole world in mind. The group analysis in this book complements the more individual emphasis of the previous one.