Apr 11, 2013
One of the questions for the ages is the origin of human morality.
Some ascribe it to a god or gods. Some would prefer a more
empirical approach. In his work with primates, Frans de Wall has
explored the evolution of those traits we used to consider uniquely
human. His latest book, The Bonobo and the Atheist: In Search of
Humanism Among the Primates, he tackles morality. Small spoiler:
We're not as special in this regard as we tend to think. From the
publisher's description: "In this lively and illuminating
discussion of his landmark research, esteemed primatologist Frans
de Waal argues that human morality is not imposed from above but
instead comes from within. Moral behavior does not begin and end
with religion but is in fact a product of evolution. For many
years, de Waal has observed chimpanzees soothe distressed neighbors
and bonobos share their food. Now he delivers fascinating fresh
evidence for the seeds of ethical behavior in primate societies
that further cements the case for the biological origins of human
fairness. Interweaving vivid tales from the animal kingdom with
thoughtful philosophical analysis, de Waal seeks a bottom-up
explanation of morality that emphasizes our connection with
animals. In doing so, de Waal explores for the first time the
implications of his work for our understanding of modern religion.
Whatever the role of religious moral imperatives, he sees it as a
“Johnny-come-lately” role that emerged only as an addition to our
natural instincts for cooperation and empathy."