The program that Pitirim A. Sorokin labeled “Creative Altruism” is discussed as a key to achieving a better possible world of human relations. The discussion includes an overview of the idea of altruism in sociology, an examination of the considerable resistance to the idea of altruistic conduct, commentary on the lack of a specific set of techniques to implement Sorokin's program, and a brief inventory of current activities intended to give altruism its due in social science.
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