Primates and Philosophers: How Morality Evolved.

PRIMATES AND PHILOSOPHERS: How Morality Evolved FRANS DE WAAL 

People tend to think that moral behavior is strictly a veneer hiding the base, animalistic nature of human beings. De Waal, a researcher of primate behavior and long-time writer, argues that this assessment fails to recognize that morality is actually a gift from animal ancestors and that people are good not by choice but by nature. De Waal presents several examples of sympathetic and empathetic behavior among nonhuman primates, including protection of others against aggression and consoling behaviors. The author also outlines the stance of scientists and philosophers who avoid attributing such human qualities to animals. He argues that these critics fail to recognize that while animals are not human, humans are animals. The book includes several scientists' comments on de Waal's definition of morality and on the differences--or lack thereof--he cites between people and other animals. Princeton, 2006, 209 p., b&w images, hardcover, $22.95.