Thoughts on a Thoughtful Theory of Prosocial Motivation

In this thoughtful article, Batson (2022) delineates an eloquent model of prosocial motivation. Although I agree with many of his points, I discuss a somewhat different view on two points and an additional observation. Batson argued that upholding moral principles (principlism) is impersonal and different from altruism, the motivation to increase the welfare of one or more other individuals, a motivation associated with sympathy and compassion. I agree that people might sometimes assist others simply to uphold a principle. However, I suggest that the content of a principle is not always distinct from altruism or collectivism motivation. It is likely that focusing on a personally valued principle related to promoting others’ welfare (e.g., all individuals’ needs are equally important) will evoke the motivation to increase others’ welfare (altruism) and emotions (e.g., sympathy) associated with altruism. In brief, I think the motivations to uphold principles and to increase the welfare of individuals or groups are intricately intertwined, with principles, which reflect enduring values, often leading to sympathy and altruistic motivation. © 2022 American Psychological Association