Description
Discover 'The Heart of Altruism', a groundbreaking exploration into the nature of humanity and selflessness. This compelling book challenges the notion that all human behavior is driven solely by self-interest, delving into the remarkable stories of altruists who have risked their lives for others. Kristen Renwick Monroe presents moving accounts from true heroes, including a German businessman who rescued over a hundred Jews during the horrors of Nazi Germany, and a brave newspaper poetry editor who intervened in a critical moment of danger. By engaging with these altruists, Monroe unveils the fabric of altruism and highlights the critical differences that set altruists apart from the general populace.
Through in-depth interviews and nuanced analysis, 'The Heart of Altruism' reveals a shared empathetic perspective among altruists, offering valuable insights into the moral and ethical frameworks that drive their actions. This essential read opens avenues for rethinking social theories that often overlook altruism in favor of self-serving models. Monroe's work inspires a deeper understanding of the motivations behind altruism and emphasizes the potential for compassion in human interactions. With a variety of insights drawn from diverse backgrounds, this book is not just a collection of stories, but a call to recognize and celebrate acts of kindness in a world often fixated on individual gain.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled. Condition: BRAND NEW. ISBN: 9780691058474. Format: Trade paperback (US). Year: 1998. Publisher: Princeton University Press.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780691058474
Format: Trade paperback (US)
Year: 1998
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Description:
Is all human behaviour based on self-interest? Many social and biological theories would argue so, but such a perspective does not explain the many truly herioc acts committed by people willing to risk their lives in order to help others. In "The Heart of Altruism", Kristen Renwick Monroe boldly lays the groundwork for a social theory receptive to altruism by examining the experiences described by altruists themselves: from Otto, a German businessman who rescued over a hundred Jews in Nazi Germany, to Lucille, a newspaper poetry editor who, armed with her cane, saved a young girl who was being raped. Monroe's honest and moving interviews with these little-known heroes enable her to explore the causes of altruism and the differences between altruists and other people. By delineating an overarching perspective of humanity shared by altruists, Monroe demonstrates how social theories may begin to account for altruism and debunks the notions of scientific inevitability that stem from an overemphasis on self-interest. As Monroe has discoverd, the financial and religious back-grounds of altruists vary greatly - as do their views on issues such as welfare, civil rights, and morality.
Altruists do, however, share a certain way of looking at the world: where the rest of us see a stranger, altruists see a fellow human being. It is this perspective that many social theories overlook. Monroe restores altruism to a general theory of ethical political behaviour. She argues that to understand what makes one person act out of concern for others and not the self, we need to ask how that individual's perspective sets the range of options he or she find
Through in-depth interviews and nuanced analysis, 'The Heart of Altruism' reveals a shared empathetic perspective among altruists, offering valuable insights into the moral and ethical frameworks that drive their actions. This essential read opens avenues for rethinking social theories that often overlook altruism in favor of self-serving models. Monroe's work inspires a deeper understanding of the motivations behind altruism and emphasizes the potential for compassion in human interactions. With a variety of insights drawn from diverse backgrounds, this book is not just a collection of stories, but a call to recognize and celebrate acts of kindness in a world often fixated on individual gain.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled. Condition: BRAND NEW. ISBN: 9780691058474. Format: Trade paperback (US). Year: 1998. Publisher: Princeton University Press.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780691058474
Format: Trade paperback (US)
Year: 1998
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Description:
Is all human behaviour based on self-interest? Many social and biological theories would argue so, but such a perspective does not explain the many truly herioc acts committed by people willing to risk their lives in order to help others. In "The Heart of Altruism", Kristen Renwick Monroe boldly lays the groundwork for a social theory receptive to altruism by examining the experiences described by altruists themselves: from Otto, a German businessman who rescued over a hundred Jews in Nazi Germany, to Lucille, a newspaper poetry editor who, armed with her cane, saved a young girl who was being raped. Monroe's honest and moving interviews with these little-known heroes enable her to explore the causes of altruism and the differences between altruists and other people. By delineating an overarching perspective of humanity shared by altruists, Monroe demonstrates how social theories may begin to account for altruism and debunks the notions of scientific inevitability that stem from an overemphasis on self-interest. As Monroe has discoverd, the financial and religious back-grounds of altruists vary greatly - as do their views on issues such as welfare, civil rights, and morality.
Altruists do, however, share a certain way of looking at the world: where the rest of us see a stranger, altruists see a fellow human being. It is this perspective that many social theories overlook. Monroe restores altruism to a general theory of ethical political behaviour. She argues that to understand what makes one person act out of concern for others and not the self, we need to ask how that individual's perspective sets the range of options he or she find