Final answer:
Altruism is the selfless concern for and giving of aid to others, a prosocial behavior not motivated by self-interest but by the well-being of others.
Step-by-step explanation:
Altruism refers to a selfless concern for and giving of aid to others without seeking personal benefits. It represents a prosocial behavior that is not motivated by feeling good about oneself but by a genuine and selfless desire to help others. In contrast, ethical egoism suggests that all human actions are motivated by self-interest, even when the action appears to be altruistic. The concept of reciprocity involves a give and take in relationships, often expecting something in return for an act of kindness, which differs from the selflessness of altruism. Different moral philosophers argue about whether purely altruistic actions exist or if all actions, including helping others, are ultimately motivated by self-interest.