I've recently started reading a new book (new to me, at least): Primates and Philosophers: How Morality Evolved by Frans De Waal. It advances the thesis, first promulgated by Darwin, that morality developed as the result of the evolutionary process and is inherent in our genes. I'm not far enough into the book to write a full blog post, but, thus far, Waal has asserted that many animals exhibit behavior that could be considered moral, particularly our closest relatives, the apes.
After I've read a bit more, I hope to explore some of the ideas put forth in this book.
After I've read a bit more, I hope to explore some of the ideas put forth in this book.
Yes, there is a lot of moral behaviour in the animal kingdom.
ReplyDeleteWhere do you think we humans got it?
Adelaide,
ReplyDeleteI'm not saying that I disagree with the thesis at all. However, many people do disagree with it and contend that morality originates from an external source, a god.
You'll find, after wading through the book and thinking about what you believe of the Tao, that what we define as morality is nothing more than another example of nature rewarding 'pro-survival' behavior and punishing non 'pro-survival' behavior.
ReplyDeletei'd definitely be interested in what you have to say on this! to me "morality" implies a conscious choice to abstain from a perceived wrong, making an effort to fulfill a social obligation, and a conscious desire to benefit others without self interest. since animals are (as far as we know) primarily instinctual beings, i can't see how they would make conscious moral choices. perhaps apes could, though, and if so i would be delighted to learn more about it. :) most animals, i've observed, don't seem to understand if another animal is in pain or suffering.
ReplyDelete