Which concept is a concern for the welfare of others, possibly developed to escape dangers?

Which concept is a concern for the welfare of others, possibly developed to escape dangers?

• A. Altruism
• B. Compassion
• C. Generosity
• D. Empathy

Answer: (A)

Altruism is a selfless concern for the welfare of others, often at a personal cost. This fits the idea that such concern could have evolved to help groups survive or to escape danger—acting to aid others can strengthen a group’s safety and, over time, benefit the individual through kin selection or reciprocal cooperation. Compassion is feeling sympathy or mercy, which may motivate helping but doesn’t necessarily involve action or self-sacrifice. Empathy is the ability to understand another’s feelings, not necessarily to act to help. Generosity involves giving or sharing, but it isn’t inherently linked to the selfless, cost-incurring motive that altruism emphasizes. So the best fit is altruism.

Altruism is a selfless concern for the welfare of others, often at a personal cost. This fits the idea that such concern could have evolved to help groups survive or to escape danger—acting to aid others can strengthen a group’s safety and, over time, benefit the individual through kin selection or reciprocal cooperation. Compassion is feeling sympathy or mercy, which may motivate helping but doesn’t necessarily involve action or self-sacrifice. Empathy is the ability to understand another’s feelings, not necessarily to act to help. Generosity involves giving or sharing, but it isn’t inherently linked to the selfless, cost-incurring motive that altruism emphasizes. So the best fit is altruism.