Altruism

Is altruism truly selfless?

4.5 (15)

44 mins

In this skoob, we explore the fascinating dynamics of altruism and its strategic elements within families and society. We challenge traditional economic models by examining how acts of giving can have underlying selfish motives, such as potential inheritance or tax benefits. Also learn how group dynamics and ethical behavior affect our decision and helping behavior.

Ep 1:

The Price of Family Love

Are family visits pure love or calculated investment? We uncover Gary Becker's startling inheritance research and follow economists into the lab, where simple games reveal humanity's supposed generosity.

Ep 2:

The Taker in Disguise

Economist John List blew up decades of lab research on kindness by adding one twist: the option to take. Discover how observability and self-interest quietly shape our "generous" acts.

Ep 3:

When Chimps Risk It All

Beyond humans, chimpanzees cross electric wires and face leopards to save companions. We explore this astonishing animal compassion and the evolutionary puzzle of why nature would ever favor sacrifice.

Ep 4:

The Selfish Roots of Kindness

Caring for others can quietly justify cheating and dishonesty. We examine how empathy fuels unethical shortcuts, and why the most effective charity rarely earns anyone applause.

Ep 5:

Rethinking Human Goodness

As our journey through altruism concludes, we weave together family strategy, lab illusions, animal heroism, and evolution to ask: what really drives human kindness, and how can we harness it?

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