Psychological Approaches to Altruism: An Evaluation

Rushton' has supplied an overview of current psychological theory and research on altruism and its implications for society. Although advertised as "a social learning perspective," Rushton's approach is somewhat more eclectic. The central purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that not all psychologists think alike. I would like to take exception to a number of specific points made by Rushton and to raise some questions about the social learning perspective with which he affiliates himself. If my comments sometimes seem critical, it should be clear that they are directed toward the ideas of a highly esteemed colleague, not the author of the ideas.