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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Arriscar a vida pelos outros é um fenómeno que tem causado perplexidade desde os tempos de Darwin
(1871; 1872), por contrariar o mais básico dos instintos: o de sobrevivência. Apesar de vários teóricos
não acreditarem na possibilidade de as ações altruístas poderem ocorrer dissociadas de motivações
internas (Leyens & Yzerbyt, 2008), as suas consequências são incontornavelmente benéficas para
aqueles a quem a ação é dirigida, podendo representar um veículo de transformação em direcção a
uma sociedade mais pacífica, justa, e sociocêntrica (Batson, Ahmad, & Stocks, 2004; Zimbardo,
2009). No entanto, apesar da indubitável importância do comportamento altruísta, têm sido escassos os
estudos acerca dos motivos que levam alguns indivíduos a agir face a situações de vitimação,
diferenciando-se daqueles que agem passivamente (Kahn, 2009; Zimbardo, 2009). Foi com o intuito
de contribuir para a compreensão daquilo que denominamos de „altruísmo heroico‟ - atos que, além de
beneficiaram primordialmente o outro, colocam a vida daquele que os comete em perigo -, que
levamos a cabo este estudo. Para tal, foram realizadas entrevistas aprofundadas dois homens e uma
mulher cujas vidas se têm pautado por atos de altruísmo heroico. Os resultados põem em evidencia
alguns fatores de ordem contextual (e.g. modelos de referência altruístas, contato intercultural), e de
ordem individual (e.g. coragem, inconformismo), assim como determinados princípios e valores (e.g. a
solidariedade e a verdade) que parecem estar na base do comportamento altruísta heroico
Risking one‟s own life is a phenonema that has perplexed many since Darwins time (1871; 1872), as it contradicts the most basic of all instincts: that of survival. Although several theorists disbelieve the possibility of behavior detached from internal motivations (Leyens & Yzerbyt, 2008), the consequences of these actions are undoubtedly beneficial for those who receive them, and can represent a means of change for a more just, peaceful and sociocentric society (Batson, Ahmad, & Stocks, 2004; Zimbardo, 2009). However, despite the assured importance of altruistic behavior, there have been few studies focusing on the motives for which individuals act in scenarios of victimization (Kahn, 2009; Zimbardo, 2009). It was in the intent to contribute to the understanding of what we refer to as “heroic altruism”- actions that besides beneficiating primarily the target of these actions, jeopardizes the safety of the actors life- that this study was set up to achieve. In order to do so, we conducted in-depth interviews to two men and a woman whose lives have demonstrated altruistic heroic behaviors. The results put into evidence some environmental factors (e.g. altruistic reference models, intercultural contact), personality traits (e.g. courage, inconformity), and certain principles and values (e.g. solidarity and truth) that seem to be key understandings to altruistic heroic behaviors.
Risking one‟s own life is a phenonema that has perplexed many since Darwins time (1871; 1872), as it contradicts the most basic of all instincts: that of survival. Although several theorists disbelieve the possibility of behavior detached from internal motivations (Leyens & Yzerbyt, 2008), the consequences of these actions are undoubtedly beneficial for those who receive them, and can represent a means of change for a more just, peaceful and sociocentric society (Batson, Ahmad, & Stocks, 2004; Zimbardo, 2009). However, despite the assured importance of altruistic behavior, there have been few studies focusing on the motives for which individuals act in scenarios of victimization (Kahn, 2009; Zimbardo, 2009). It was in the intent to contribute to the understanding of what we refer to as “heroic altruism”- actions that besides beneficiating primarily the target of these actions, jeopardizes the safety of the actors life- that this study was set up to achieve. In order to do so, we conducted in-depth interviews to two men and a woman whose lives have demonstrated altruistic heroic behaviors. The results put into evidence some environmental factors (e.g. altruistic reference models, intercultural contact), personality traits (e.g. courage, inconformity), and certain principles and values (e.g. solidarity and truth) that seem to be key understandings to altruistic heroic behaviors.
Description
Keywords
Altruísmo Heroísmo Solidariedade Coragem Princípios Altruism Heroism Solidarity Courage Inconformity Principles