Who Should Read This Book?

This volume is perfect for anyone intrigued by the origins of human morality, including students of psychology, philosophy, anthropology, and biology. It appeals to readers fascinated by animal behaviour and what it reveals about ourselves. The accessible writing and lively scholarly debate make it suitable for both academics and general readers. If you have ever pondered whether animals possess a moral sense, or how evolution shaped our concepts of right and wrong, this book offers stimulating answers.

Key Ideas from Frans de Waal

De Waal challenges the traditional view that humans are inherently brutish and that morality is a cultural invention. Instead, he proposes that our moral tendencies are built upon building blocks present in other animals. He introduces concepts like 'emotional contagion,' 'consolation behaviour,' and 'inequity aversion' observed in primates. These behaviours suggest that the foundations of morality—empathy, cooperation, and justice—are ancient and evolutionarily continuous. The book emphasizes that morality is a blend of innate predispositions and cultural elaboration, not purely a product of reason or religion.

About the Author and Contributors

Frans de Waal is a celebrated primatologist and ethologist, renowned for his work on primate social intelligence. The book includes responses from several distinguished scholars: Stephen Macedo, Josiah Ober, and others, representing fields from political theory to philosophy. This collaborative format allows readers to see de Waal's ideas examined from multiple angles, providing a richer understanding of the issues. The editors have structured the book like an academic conference, where each contributor challenges or supports de Waal's thesis.

What Readers Are Saying

Readers have praised the book's unique structure, presenting de Waal's lecture alongside responses from diverse scholars. Many appreciate the clarity of de Waal's arguments and the depth of the debate. The book has been described as a must-read for understanding the natural foundations of morality, with one reader noting that it completely changed their perspective on human nature. The collaborative format allows for a comprehensive exploration of the topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book difficult to read? While it deals with complex ideas, de Waal writes in a clear, engaging style. The main essay is accessible, and the responses introduce philosophical terminology but remain understandable with some effort.

Does the book argue that animals are moral? De Waal suggests that primates have the precursors of morality, such as empathy and reciprocity, but he does not claim they have full-fledged moral systems. He focuses on the evolutionary continuity of moral behaviour.

What format is the book? This edition is a paperback, measuring 5.4 x 0.7 x 8.4 inches, making it easy to carry and read.

What Is Primates and Philosophers About?

This book tackles one of the most profound questions in human nature: Where does our morality come from? Frans de Waal, a leading primatologist, argues that morality is not a thin veneer added by civilization but rather an evolved trait shared with our primate relatives. Drawing on decades of research on chimpanzees and bonobos, de Waal presents evidence that empathy, reciprocity, and a sense of fairness have deep biological roots. The book is structured around de Waal's Tanner Lectures, followed by responses from philosophers, psychologists, and biologists, creating a rich interdisciplinary dialogue.

Note: This product is a book, and its content is for informational and educational purposes. The views expressed are those of the authors and contributors.