What happens when two monkeys are paid unequally? Fairness, reciprocity, empathy, cooperation -- caring about the well-being of others seems like a very human trait. But Frans de Waal shares some surprising videos of behavioral tests, on primates and other mammals, that show how many of these moral...
Chad A. Drummonds
ANTH 201-04-90
Frank deWaal Assignment
DUE: October 6, 2024
1. What was the first thing de Waal explored when working with chimpanzees? What
did he think characterized human and primate behaviors and dispositions?
Frans de Waal initially studied aggression and dominance among chimpanzees. He
believed that human and primate behaviors were primarily driven by competition
and a struggle for power, aligning with the popular view of survival of the fittest. De
Waal focused on how social hierarchies were formed through aggression, thinking
this might reflect our own tendencies in human societies.
2. What did he witness that made him reconsider his understanding about the
"nature" of humans and chimpanzees?
De Waal observed chimpanzees engaging in reconciliation behaviors after fights,
such as kissing and hugging. This experience led him to reconsider his belief that
primates were solely driven by aggression. Instead, he began to see the capacity for
cooperation and empathy in chimpanzees, traits that are also central to human
relationships. He realized that social harmony was as important as competition in
both primate and human societies.
3. What are the pillars of morality for de Waal?
According to de Waal, the two primary pillars of morality are reciprocity and
empathy. Reciprocity refers to mutual exchange and cooperation, while empathy
involves the capacity to understand and share the feelings of others. These pillars
are not unique to humans but are also evident in the behavior of other animals,
particularly primates and other mammals.
4. What is reciprocity? How does it play a part in chimpanzee and elephant
relations?
Reciprocity refers to the mutual exchange of actions or favors, where one individual
helps another with the expectation of being helped in return. In chimpanzees, de
Waal noted that grooming behaviors are often reciprocated; if one chimp grooms
another, it expects to be groomed later. Similarly, elephants exhibit reciprocity by
helping each other during cooperative tasks, such as moving heavy objects or
aiding a distressed member of their group.
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