In this episode Caroline and Linda debate another intriguing topic:
What is altruism, and what is its purpose?
Is altruism only evident in humans, or can dogs behave altruistically?
Linda begins by defining altruism. She goes on to explain how scientists discovered the reason for altruistic behaviour—which, it turns out, is to maximise the chance that a species as a whole will survive and thrive. She also lists the many ‘side benefits’ of altruism, including better health, greater happiness, even increased longevity.
But can other species—in our case of course, dogs—also behave altruistically? Caroline explains, and adds a cross-species benefit: having a dog in the family can teach children to behave more responsibly and altruistically.
But with altruism, like so many other good qualities, Linda emphasises the importance of balance. Altruism to the exclusion of self-care, she warns, creates a victim mentality, which helps neither helper nor the helped.
Caroline closes this episode—the last in the first series—by encouraging listeners to extend kindness to their dog, and to behave altruistically rather than competitively towards other pet parents.
Finally, while waiting for the next series of podcasts, everyone is encouraged to send Caroline and Linda examples from their own experience and to offer suggestions for further podcasts, so they can make the next series as relevant to as many listeners as possible.
What's inside this episode?
00:00 Introduction, including a definition of altruism.
02:06 Why altruistic behaviour exists and continues.
04:26 The ‘side benefits’ of altruism.
05:05 Altruistic behaviour of dog to dog is often seen. Altruistic behaviour of dog to humans is more complex.
09:53 The importance of observing animals to help us better understand humans.