Primates and Philosophers: How Morality Evolved

How Morality Evolved

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Biological Sciences, Zoology, Evolution
Cover of the book Primates and Philosophers: How Morality Evolved by Frans de Waal, Princeton University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Frans de Waal ISBN: 9781400830336
Publisher: Princeton University Press Publication: January 12, 2009
Imprint: Princeton University Press Language: English
Author: Frans de Waal
ISBN: 9781400830336
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Publication: January 12, 2009
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Language: English

"It's the animal in us," we often hear when we've been bad. 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. In the process, he also probes issues such as anthropomorphism and human responsibilities toward animals.

Based on the Tanner Lectures de Waal delivered at Princeton University's Center for Human Values in 2004, Primates and Philosophers includes responses by the philosophers Peter Singer, Christine M. Korsgaard, and Philip Kitcher and the science writer Robert Wright. They press de Waal to clarify the differences between humans and other animals, yielding a lively debate that will fascinate all those who wonder about the origins and reach of human goodness.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

"It's the animal in us," we often hear when we've been bad. 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. In the process, he also probes issues such as anthropomorphism and human responsibilities toward animals.

Based on the Tanner Lectures de Waal delivered at Princeton University's Center for Human Values in 2004, Primates and Philosophers includes responses by the philosophers Peter Singer, Christine M. Korsgaard, and Philip Kitcher and the science writer Robert Wright. They press de Waal to clarify the differences between humans and other animals, yielding a lively debate that will fascinate all those who wonder about the origins and reach of human goodness.

More books from Princeton University Press

Cover of the book Democratic Governance by Frans de Waal
Cover of the book Jim and Jap Crow by Frans de Waal
Cover of the book How the Classics Made Shakespeare by Frans de Waal
Cover of the book The Book of Mormon by Frans de Waal
Cover of the book Shakespeare's Festive Comedy by Frans de Waal
Cover of the book The Dancing Lares and the Serpent in the Garden by Frans de Waal
Cover of the book Expert Political Judgment by Frans de Waal
Cover of the book Emblems of Pluralism by Frans de Waal
Cover of the book The Politics of Secularism in International Relations by Frans de Waal
Cover of the book Global Environment by Frans de Waal
Cover of the book Mercy on Trial by Frans de Waal
Cover of the book Troubling the Waters by Frans de Waal
Cover of the book Take a Closer Look by Frans de Waal
Cover of the book Wittgenstein on the Arbitrariness of Grammar by Frans de Waal
Cover of the book Power, Speed, and Form by Frans de Waal
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy