Primates and Philosophers: How Morality Evolved

de Waal, Frans

ISBN 10: 0691124477 / ISBN 13: 9780691124476

Published by Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, 2006

About this Item

8vo, 209 pp., Edited & with an introduction by Stephen Macedo & Josiah Ober., With comments by Robert Wright, Christine M. Korsgaard, Philip Kitcher & Peter Singer, followed by de Waal's responses to the comments.

Seller Inventory # 070859

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Primates and Philosophers: How Morality Evolved
• Publisher: Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ
• Publication Date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0691124477
• ISBN 13: 9780691124476
• Binding: hardcover
• Edition: 1st.
• Condition: Fine copy in fine dust jacket
• Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included
• Seller catalogs:
  • Biology

About this title

Synopsis

"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.

About the Author

Frans de Waal is C. H. Candler Professor of Primate Behavior in the Department of Psychology, and Director of the Living Links Center at the Yerkes National Primate Center, both at Emory University. In 2007, "Time" magazine selected him as one of the 100 People Who Shape Our World. His books include "Our Inner Ape" (Riverhead) and "The Ape and the Sushi Master" (Basic Books), both "New York Times" Notable Books of the Year.