On Indirect Reciprocity: the Distinction Between Reciprocity and Altruism, and a Comment on Suicide Terrorism

The author discusses four categories of putative indirect reciprocity, two of which pertain to interaction between individuals & two of which involve social systems. The conclusion is that two of these categories, reciprocal reputation & institutionalized reciprocity, are strongly linked to reciprocity, whereas the other two categories, generous reputation & metaphysical reward, are likely to involve only an element of illusionary reciprocity & a substantial degree of altruism. (26 refs.)