Altruism Among Military Personnel: Social Psychology
Altruism Among Military Personnel
Social Psychology
Amanda Miller
Excelsior College
Altruism among Military Personnel
This paper will be outlined by first discussing research regarding methods the military personnel engage in acts of altruism and pro-social behavior. Altruism behavior results from the selflessness and willingness to help other people without expecting any tangible reward in return. The military personnel have engaged in many acts of altruism that benefit others such as rescuing, protecting, giving humanitarian aid and fighting to save their country. People give out their possession out of good will; they give out time, money and energy. Individuals practice altruism because they feel obliged to important matters in their life such as career, social or religious factors (Gintis et al, 2003). In the past, the military goal in war was to defeat an enemy, thereby securing the country security. This was done by destroying the enemy capacity to fight thus demonstrating to the enemy that victory was impossible. The new doctrine advocates for the creation of safe-havens for the enemies instead of attacking them. This elevates …show more content…
The term altruism was initially coined in 19th century by a philosopher of science and a sociologist, Auguste Comte. This term has developed into a significant topic for evolutionary psychologists, ethologists, and evolutionary biologists. Ideas about altruism from one field have an impact on other fields; the different focuses and methods of these fields portray different perspectives on altruism. Military personnel have engaged in war from time immemorial and thousands of battles have been fought and are documented in history books. Almost all societies have their legends, heroes and heroines that are credited with engaging in altruistic acts by fighting to save their communities. (De Waal et al,
Social Psychology
Amanda Miller
Excelsior College
Altruism among Military Personnel
This paper will be outlined by first discussing research regarding methods the military personnel engage in acts of altruism and pro-social behavior. Altruism behavior results from the selflessness and willingness to help other people without expecting any tangible reward in return. The military personnel have engaged in many acts of altruism that benefit others such as rescuing, protecting, giving humanitarian aid and fighting to save their country. People give out their possession out of good will; they give out time, money and energy. Individuals practice altruism because they feel obliged to important matters in their life such as career, social or religious factors (Gintis et al, 2003). In the past, the military goal in war was to defeat an enemy, thereby securing the country security. This was done by destroying the enemy capacity to fight thus demonstrating to the enemy that victory was impossible. The new doctrine advocates for the creation of safe-havens for the enemies instead of attacking them. This elevates …show more content…
The term altruism was initially coined in 19th century by a philosopher of science and a sociologist, Auguste Comte. This term has developed into a significant topic for evolutionary psychologists, ethologists, and evolutionary biologists. Ideas about altruism from one field have an impact on other fields; the different focuses and methods of these fields portray different perspectives on altruism. Military personnel have engaged in war from time immemorial and thousands of battles have been fought and are documented in history books. Almost all societies have their legends, heroes and heroines that are credited with engaging in altruistic acts by fighting to save their communities. (De Waal et al,