The Journal of Social Psychology, 2013, 153(5), 598–618 Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC Some Implications of Beliefs in Altruism, Free Will, and Nonreductionism RAYMOND MICHAEL BERGNER ABBY RAMON Illinois State University ABSTRACT. In this research, we explored correlates of individuals’ beliefs in altruism, free will, and nonreductionism, as opposed to contrasting beliefs in psychological egoism, determinism, and biological reductionism. Beliefs in altruism, free will, and nonreductionism were associated with heightened a) senses of meaning in life, b) levels of life satisfaction, c) beliefs in morality as a legitimate and important dimension of life, and d) standards of personal moral conduct; they were not associated with levels of social isolation. Implications of these findings are discussed. Keywords: altruism, belief systems, determinism, free will, love, psychological egoism, reductionism A CERTAIN CLUSTER OF BELIEFS, often put forth as compatible with a modern scientific outlook, is becoming increasingly prevalent in the American and other cultures (Nagel, 2012; Paulhus & Carey, 2011; Polt, 2012; Tallis, 2011). These beliefs are the following: a) that all human behavior is essentially self- interested—i.e., is enacted for the self’s own benefit (versus that it is sometimes enacted out of an unselfish caring for another’s well-being); b) that all behav- ior is determined (versus genuinely chosen); and c) that all human psychological phenomena (thoughts, motives, decisions, beliefs, etc.) are reducible to (i.e., are nothing over and above) brain and other biological processes (versus that they are not so reducible). The purpose of this research is not to argue either the intel- lectual merits of these beliefs or the contention that having a modern scientific outlook requires them. The purpose, rather, is to explore (for the first time in two of these cases) some important differences in peoples’ lives that may be empirically associated with them. Address correspondence to Raymond Michael Bergner, Illinois State University, Department of Psychology, 440 DeGarmo Bldg., Normal, IL 61790-4110, USA; rmbergn@ ilstu.edu (e-mail). 598