Altruism in Action: The Wesley Autrey Subway Rescue Case
On January 2, 2007, at the 137th Street–City College subway station in New York City, Wesley Autrey, a construction worker and Navy veteran, found himself in the midst of a life-altering moment. As he waited for a train with his two young daughters, Autrey witnessed a young man, Cameron Hollopeter, suffering a seizure on the platform. Hollopeter, disoriented and convulsing, stumbled and fell onto the subway tracks, just as the rumble of an approaching train reverberated through the station. Without hesitation, Autrey leaped onto the tracks after Hollopeter, realizing the imminent danger he faced. As the train approached, Autrey made a split-second decision that would define heroism. With Hollopeter still in the grip of a seizure, Autrey positioned himself on top of the young man, pressing both of them into a drainage trench between the tracks. The subway train thundered over them, mere inches away, and came to a screeching halt. In the aftermath, Autrey's actions garnered widespread acclaim and media attention. The improbable survival of both Autrey and Hollopeter, untouched by the passing train, became a symbol of selfless courage and altruism. Autrey's humble response to the praise epitomized the essence of his selfless act:
"I don't feel like I did something spectacular; I just saw someone who needed help."
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Altruism, the selfless concern for the well-being of others, stands as a perplexing phenomenon in the realm of evolutionary biology. The subway rescue case provides a poignant real-life example that challenges traditional evolutionary explanations for human behaviour. Social psychology offers valuable insights into the psychological mechanisms driving altruistic behaviour. The bystander effect, social identity theory, and the empathy-altruism hypothesis are frameworks that shed light on why individuals like Autrey might engage in heroic acts. Autrey's decision to risk his life to save a stranger aligns with the empathy-altruism hypothesis, suggesting that the ability to empathize with others plays a crucial role in promoting altruistic behaviour.

Challenges to Darwinian Theory
Darwinian evolutionary theory, which emphasizes the survival of the fittest and the propagation of one's genes, faces challenges in explaining altruism. The Autrey case introduces an intriguing element: the altruistic act transcends genetic kinship, as Autrey and Hollopeter are not relatives. Traditional Darwinian theory struggles to account for such behaviour, as it does not directly contribute to the survival or reproduction of the altruist.

The Selfish Gene Theory Critique
The selfish gene theory, popularized by Richard Dawkins, posits that genes act in their own self-interest, promoting behaviours that enhance their own replication. Altruism, particularly when not directed toward close genetic relatives, seems counterintuitive to this theory. As a precedence case, Autrey's actions, raise questions about the universal applicability of the selfish gene theory to human behaviour. The racial aspect of Autrey's heroism introduces another layer of complexity to the discussion. Implicit biases, shaped by societal influences, may influence perceptions of who is deemed worthy of altruistic acts. Autrey's race, as a black man saving a white man, challenges assumptions about altruism being constrained by racial or ethnic boundaries. The case serves as a compelling real-world example that pushes the boundaries of our understanding of altruism within the framework of evolutionary biology. Social psychology offers insights into the psychological underpinnings of such acts, while the challenges posed to Darwinian and selfish gene theories prompt a re-evaluation of our conceptualizations. Autrey's altruistic act stands as a testament to the complexity of human behaviour, urging scientists to further explore the intricate interplay of empathy, social dynamics, and evolutionary pressures.

References
Batson, C. D., & Shaw, L. L. (1991). Evidence for altruism: Toward a pluralism of prosocial motives. Psychological Inquiry, 2(2), 107-122.
Dawkins, R. (1976). The Selfish Gene. Oxford University Press.
Latane, B., & Darley, J. M. (1970). The unresponsive bystander: Why doesn't he help? Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
Preston, S. D. (2013). The Altruistic Urge: Motivation for Unselfish Behavior in Humans and Other Animals. Cambridge University Press.