altruism

al·tru·ism (ăl'trū-ĭz'əm)
n.

1. Unselfish concern for the welfare of others; selflessness.
2. Instinctive cooperative behavior that is detrimental to the individual but contributes to the survival of the species.

[go figure - I just finished 2 colloquia - International Law and Human Rights, and I'm feeling somewhat socially conscious] *wink!* ;o)