Final answer:
Altruism refers to selfless actions undertaken for the benefit of others, exemplified by a case during the 9/11 attacks. Psychological egoism posits that such behavior is still ultimately self-serving, possibly for psychological fulfillment or genetic propagation. This dichotomy continues to spark debate among scholars on the true nature of altruism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Altruism is defined as a selfless concern for the well-being of others without expecting any reward or benefit in return. An example of altruistic behavior can be cited from the events of 9/11 when an individual risked, and ultimately lost, their own life to save others. This act seems to demonstrate genuine altruism, as the personal costs were significant and ultimately fatal.
However, from the perspective of psychological egoism, this behavior can be interpreted differently. Psychological egoists argue that all human actions, even those that appear altruistic, are motivated by self-interest. They might assert that the individual who acted heroically during 9/11 was motivated by internal factors such as personal values, the desire to be remembered as a hero, or by the fulfillment derived from helping others, which could serve their own psychological needs.
Despite numerous cases of self-sacrificial behavior across species, there's ongoing debate whether such behaviors are truly altruistic or if they serve indirect self-interest, possibly at a genetic level as suggested by the Selfish Gene theory. Evolutionary angles offer explanations for these behaviors that purport to increase the chances of gene propagation, whether it's through direct or kin selection. Nonetheless, this complex interplay of altruism and self-interest continues to challenge psychologists, ethicists, and biologists.