Book review: Pathological altruism

Katrina A. Bramstedt, Bond University

Article comments

Citation only.

Bramstedt, K. A. (2012). [Review of the book Pathological altruism]. Journal of bioethical inquiry, 9(2), 211-212.

Access the publisher's website.

© Copyright Springer Science+Business Media B.V., 2012

Abstract

In my work as a transplant ethicist I have always been interested in the topic of altruism. Thus, when a book appeared with the title, Pathological Altruism, I was very intrigued to read it. An exceedingly heavy book, however, arrived in my mailbox, and I admit I was taken aback. But upon reading Pathological Altruism, edited by Barbara Oakley, Ariel Knafo, GuruprasadMadhavan,
and David SloanWilson, I was not disappointed. In fact, chapter 1 baited me with the line, “Altruism can be the back door to hell.”