Empathy-Induced Altruism: Friend or Foe of the Common Good?

Abstract

Research supporting the empathy-altruism hypothesis suggests that the value assumption of the theory of rational choice is wrong. Apparently, humans can value more than their own welfare. Empathic concern felt for someone in need can produce altruistic motivation with the ultimate goal of increasing that person’s welfare. But this altruistic motivation is not always a friend of the common good. Research also reveals that empathy-induced altruism can pose a threat to the common good in social dilemmas. Indeed, in certain nontrivial circumstances, it can pose a more powerful threat than does self-interested egoism.