Final answer:
Individuals who sacrifice some of their power to support others on the downside of power are called altruistic, a term indicating selfless concern for others' well-being, often motivated by empathy and not seeking personal gain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individuals who are willing to give up some of their power to help those on the downside of power are referred to as altruistic. Altruism is characterized by a selfless concern for the well-being of others without the expectation of personal benefit or reciprocity. It involves acts where the cost of helping may outweigh the benefits, as seen in the case of individuals who risk their own lives to save others, such as during the 9/11 attacks. Moreover, altruism often stems from a deep sense of empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, which motivates the altruistic individual to act in ways that benefit those in need.
While there exist different motivations for prosocial behavior, such as feeling good about oneself or expecting future reciprocity, altruism represents a pure form of helping, often linked to moral and ethical considerations. In ethical discussions, there is an ongoing debate about whether actions are morally driven strictly by altruism or whether self-interest can also play a role in moral decision-making.