How are Ethics and Altruism related?


By definition, Altruism requires individuals to sacrifice their own needs for the sake of others. In the extreme, this is incompatible with moralality, which is based on an individual's need to pursue ones own survival.



Altruism is a social virtue which encourages individuals to consider the needs of others before themselves.



The key principles of altruism are:
Selflessness: which prioritises the needs and well-being of others over one's own interests.
Collective Welfare: which encourages actions that benefit society as a whole, even at a personal cost.
Empathy and Compassion: which demands understanding and actions towards the needs and suffering of others.



The key principles of individualism are:
Self-Reliance: which emphasises personal independence and the importance of individuals making their own decisions.
Personal Freedom: which values the rights and freedoms of the individual, often advocating for minimal interference from the state or society.
Self-Interest: which encourages pursuing one's own goals and interests, which can lead to innovation, economic growth, and personal satisfaction.



Individuals can choose to look after others at anytime, but should never be by force and certainly not at the expense of their own lives.