ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the neurobiological underpinnings of philanthropic behavior, integrating insights from neuroscience, psychology, and economics. It examines how the brain's decision-making, reward processing, and social cognition systems interact to influence altruistic behavior. Drawing on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies, we outline the roles of key brain regions such as the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), temporoparietal junction (TPJ), and nucleus accumbens (NAcc) in charitable decisions. The chapter is structured in three parts: first, it explores the neural bases of decision-making, reward, and social cognition in the context of altruistic behavior; second, it examines the emotional mechanisms that influence giving, including empathy and the “warm glow” effect; and third, it discusses the social cognitive processes that shape altruistic decision-making. This interdisciplinary approach provides a comprehensive understanding of the biological roots of human generosity and offers insights into why and how people engage in philanthropic acts.
