benevolence

Benevolence is the disposition to act with kindness and goodwill toward others, often accompanied by a desire to promote or protect their welfare. It can manifest as small, everyday acts of consideration as well as larger charitable or public interventions. As a moral concept, benevolence emphasizes positive regard for others and a readiness to help, sometimes independently of personal gain.

The term derives from Latin benevolentia, from bene "well" and volentia "will" or "willingness".

In ethical discussions, benevolence is treated either as a virtue, a motive, or a standard for judging actions. Some theories treat benevolence as a central motive for moral action; others, such as Kantian ethics, separate benevolence from duties that must be performed irrespective of feelings. Utilitarian frameworks often subsume benevolence under the aim of increasing overall welfare. Distinctions are sometimes made among benevolence, beneficence (the act of doing good), and altruism (selfless concern).

In many religious and cultural traditions, benevolence is linked with compassion, generosity, or charity. Religious concepts may frame benevolence as a virtue required by divine law or as a communal obligation to aid the needy.

Psychology describes benevolence as a component of prosocial behavior, shaped by empathy, social norms, and situational factors. While benevolence can strengthen social bonds, critics caution that benevolent actions can be paternalistic or masking structural inequalities if not attentive to autonomy and consent.