What principle encompasses the expectation that help should be provided to those in need without expecting anything in return?

The social responsibility principle is centered around the idea that individuals have an obligation to assist others in need, often regardless of any potential personal gain. This principle highlights the moral and ethical dimensions of helping behaviors, suggesting that people feel a strong sense of duty to support those who are vulnerable or in crisis, simply because it is the right thing to do.

In practical terms, this principle manifests in various situations, such as volunteering, charitable acts, and helping strangers. The expectation is that one should engage in prosocial behavior, offering support to those less fortunate without ulterior motives. This stands in contrast to concepts like the reciprocity principle, which is based on mutual exchanges, where help is given with the expectation of receiving something in return later.

Empathy, while important, refers specifically to the ability to understand and share the feelings of others but does not inherently involve an obligation to act. Similarly, mood can influence helping behaviors but does not define the moral obligation to help. The social responsibility principle emphasizes an intrinsic sense of duty to assist, thereby categorizing it as the correct answer.