此篇論文嘗試回答兩個問題：利他行為是否「是」或「能」利己？以及，哪些因素會引發更多的利他行為？本文利用問卷調查檢驗兩項假設：當對自己及他人具有較高的互相依賴的覺知（sense of interdependence），所認知的社會距離（social distance）就會較小，就會參與較多的利他活動。當參與次數（以參與頻率衡量）較多，或參與程度較深（以參與種類衡量)，會引發較高的個人效用（utility）以及群體的和諧度。因此，在社會群體中加強人們對於彼此互相依賴程度的覺知，就可誘發個人較多的利他行為，從而社會、他人、自己都將獲益。以上的假設與推論，與聖嚴法師所提倡的「心六倫」內涵是一致的，這樣的認知及利他行為是符合人的天性（nature），而且是每個人都可依自力做到。

This study try to investigate and answer two questions, first, would it or is it beneficial for one to take altruistic behavior? Second, how or what factor will lead to more altruistic behavior? This study used sample questionnaire and proved the following two hypothesis: When one has higher sense of interdependence between self and others, perceived social distance is small and will participate more in altruistic activities. When one participate more (measured in frequency) or in depth (measured in variety of activities) in the altruistic activities, it will lead to higher individual utility, and a more coherent community. Therefore, if we enhance our sense of interdependent with others within our society, which will motivate altruistic behavior and result in a benefit to ourselves, to others, and to the community or society as a whole. This is consistent with Master Sheng-Yen’s “The six ethics of the mind”, it is our nature and everyone own the capacity to do it.