For the purpose of the study of altruism, a definition that relies on objective, measurable criteria is required. A behavior is characterized as altruistic when:
- it is directed towards helping another;
- it involves a high risk or sacrifice to the actor;
- it is accomplished by no external reward;
- it is voluntary.
Heroic altruism involves greater risk to the helper, whereas conventional altruism is not life-threatening to the helper.
| Heroic | Continuum | Conventional |
|---|
Christian Rescuers- Courage
- Empathy
- Learned caring norms
- Social responsibility
- Acquired a moral code of justice
- Self-esteem
- Self-efficacy
- Religious factors
- Agape
- Attachment (bonding)
- Inclusiveness
- Courage
Examples- Perlasca
- Trocme'
- Wallenberg
- Schindler
| Jewish Rescuers- Courage
- Empathy
- Compassion
- Defiance
- Moral-Outrage
- Self-efficacy
- Justice
- Self-esteem
- Normative Group Affiliation
- Agape
Examples- Hannah Senesz
- Bachner
- Bielski Bros.
- Luba Gercak
- Werber
| Military Heroes- Courage
- Moral Code
- Efficacy
- Social Responsibility
- Honor
- Patriotism
- Virtue
- Valour
- Normative - Group Affiliation
Examples- Victoria Cross Winners
- Congressional Medal of Honor Winners
|
Carnegie Heroes- Courage
- Moral Code
- Efficacy
- Religious factors
- Internalized caring norms
- Compassion
- Social Responsibility
- Agape
Examples- Misty Waters
- Wywadis
- 9391 more (as of 2010)
| Moral Examplars- Compassion
- Moral code
- Internalized norms of caring
- Empathy
- Social Responsibility
- Religious factors
- Efficacy
- Agape
Examples- Gandhi
- Mandela
- Wiesel
- Mother Teresa
- and other less famous people
| Hospice VolunteersExamples- Compassion
- Need for affiliation
- Reciprocal helping
- Attachment to others
- Internalized norms of caring
- Empathy
- MacDonald (Humboldt County)
- Hazeltine (Bay Area)
- Stepansky (Boston Area)
|
