Altruism is social behaviour and value orientation in which
individuals give primary consideration to the interests and
welfare of other individuals, members of groups or the community
as a whole. In altruistic regard for others is the principle of
action. The term 'altruism' was used by Emile Durkheim
(1858-1917) to describe a Suicide as Altruistic Suicide,
committed for the benefit of others or for the community: this
would include self-sacrifice for military objectives in
Sociobiologists argue that altruistic behaviour has its roots in
self-interest, the unconscious desire to protect one's genetic
heritage. Critics of sociobiology respond that altruism is
evident between individuals and in social situations where
people are completely unrelated genetically and claim that human
conduct and motivations cannot be explained without reference to
the values and norms of culture. Altruistic punishment and the
origin of cooperation - How did human cooperation evolve? Recent
evidence shows that many people are will