Sample Essay on:
The Evolution Of Altruism

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Essay / Research Paper Abstract

8 pages in length. To be selfless is to place another's needs before one's own; to be altruistic is to be selfless with the underlying intent of protecting - and thereby furthering - the species. This biological reality is readily understood by noting how a bee will sting an intruder - ultimately giving its life in the act - as a means by which to protect the queen and the rest of the hive. By contrast, reciprocal altruism is such that one will perform an act of selflessness with the understanding that he will receive something of equal value in return. Hamilton and Trivers, respectively, provided the basis upon which these two theories are based; it is with this combined knowledge that man is able to negotiate his innate tendencies to perpetuate his species by virtue of self-sacrificing behavior. Bibliography lists 9 sources.

Page Count:

8 pages (~225 words per page)

File: LM1_TLCAltruism.rtf

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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:

biological reality is readily understood by noting how a bee will sting an intruder - ultimately giving its life in the act - as a means by which to protect the queen and the rest of the hive. By contrast, reciprocal altruism is such that one will perform an act of selflessness with the understanding that he will receive something of equal value in return (Trivers, 1971). Hamilton (1963) and Trivers (1971), respectively, provided the basis upon which these two theories are based (Humphrey, 1997); it is with this combined knowledge that man is able to negotiate his innate tendencies to perpetuate his species by virtue of self-sacrificing behavior. Human beings are born with inherent characteristics that set them apart from other members of the animal world; one of the most prominent of these traits is that of responsibility. In a very general sense, maintaining responsibility means to be cognizant of ones actions as they impact those within ones circle of life. This circle, however, does not end with the eyes perception; rather, the circle extends far beyond anyones immediate vision, much like the ripples of a stream continue forth long past ones gaze. People use responsibility for myriad reasons: to further their good character; to establish reliability; and to tap into their moral being. The dimensions of responsibility in relation to mans altruistic nature are grand and far-reaching, often proving to elude those who do not put forth an honest effort to retain its presence. "Early forms of Darwinism were unable to explain the fact of cooperation and the reality of human sociality; but sociobiology, of the sort best-known from the work of E.O. Wilson, argues that it makes evolutionary sense to rein in our ...

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