Review of Typical Ethical Standards and Altruism

This chapter traces the intellectual history of altruism as a moral and social concept. Beginning with ancient traditions, it examines altruism in Confucian, Buddhist, and Western ethical systems, highlighting its role in shaping communal values and human solidarity. Thinkers from Auguste Comte, who coined the term, to modern social theorists are discussed to show how altruism evolved as both a philosophical ideal and a practical social principle. The chapter emphasizes the distinction between unconditional altruism and strategic altruism, noting that the latter recognizes the interdependence of self-interest and the common good. Through comparative analysis, altruism is positioned as a universal theme across cultures, albeit with different emphases: harmony and reciprocity in Eastern traditions versus individual responsibility and benevolence in Western ones. The chapter concludes that altruism must be reinterpreted for the modern corporate context, where it can serve as a guiding standard for balancing profitability with social legitimacy. By grounding altruism in both historical depth and contemporary business realities, the chapter provides the intellectual scaffolding for its adoption as an ethical principle in corporate governance.