What do we call the selfless concern for the welfare of others?

The term that describes selfless concern for the welfare of others is altruism. This concept involves individuals acting in ways that benefit others, often at a cost to themselves, without any expectation of reward. Altruism is rooted in empathy and compassion, motivating people to help those in need, whether through acts of kindness, volunteering, or supporting friends and family. This behavior contrasts with the principles of social exchange theory, which posits that human interactions are based on the exchange of rewards and costs, suggesting that people are more motivated by self-interest than by purely altruistic feelings. Companionate love involves deep affection and emotional connection within relationships, while the reciprocity norm refers to the expectation that people will respond to each other in kind, typically as a social rule rather than an expression of selfless concern. Thus, altruism distinctly captures the essence of selfless acts aimed at enhancing others' well-being.