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Share"It's the animal in us," we often hear when we've been bad.
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But why not when we're good? Primates and Philosophers tackles this question by exploring the biological foundations of one of humanity's most valued traits: morality.
In this provocative book, primatologist Frans de Waal argues that modern-day evolutionary biology takes far too dim a view of the natural world, emphasizing our "selfish" genes.
Science has thus exacerbated our reciprocal habits of blaming nature when we act badly and labeling the good things we do as "humane." Seeking the origin of human morality not in evolution but in human culture, science insists that we are moral by choice, not by nature.
Citing remarkable evidence based on his extensive research of primate behavior, de Waal attacks "Veneer Theory," which posits morality as a thin overlay on an otherwise nasty nature.
He explains how we evolved from a long line of animals that care for the weak and build cooperation with reciprocal transactions.
Drawing on both Darwin and recent scientific advances, de Waal demonstrates a strong continuity between human and animal behavior.
For more information about the title Primates and Philosophers: How Morality Evolved (The University Center for Human Values Series), read the full description at Amazon.com, or see the following related books:
Evolution for Everyone: How Darwin's Theory Can Change the Way We Think About Our Lives — What is the biological reason for gossip?For laughter? For the creation of art?Why do dogs have curly tails?What can microbes tell us about ... > read more
The Origins of Virtue: Human Instincts and the Evolution of Cooperation — Human life, scientific journalist Matt Ridley suggests, is a complex balancing act: we behave with self-interest foremost in mind, but also in ways ... > read more
Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior — I don't know if people will ever be able to talk to animals the way Doctor Doolittle could, or whether animals will be able to talk back. Maybe ... > read more
Biological Anthropology: The Natural History of Humankind — The only book that integrates the foundations and the most current innovations in the field from the ground up. Over the past twenty years, this ... > read moreRecommend this page on Facebook, Twitter,
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