---
title: "Ethical Altruism: Definition & Ethics | Model Diplomat"
description: "Ethical altruism is the belief that individuals should prioritize others' welfare, a key concept for Model UN students and ethics exam candidates."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/ethical-altruism"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Ethical altruism is the normative doctrine holding that a moral agent is obligated to act for the benefit of others, even at cost to the agent's own interests.
- How does ethical altruism differ from psychological altruism?
- Is ethical altruism the same as utilitarianism?
- Why is ethical altruism important for civil services ethics (GS4)?
- What is the main criticism of strong ethical altruism?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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In 1995, the UK's Committee on Standards in Public Life, chaired by Lord Nolan, codified "Selflessness" as the first of its seven principles, requiring officeholders to act solely in the public interest—an institutional expression of ethical altruism.

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