Waal, F. B. M. de

A renowned primatologist argues that ethical behavior witnessed in animals is the evolutionary and biological origin of human fairness and explains that morality has more to do with natural instincts than with religion.

Explores the development of morality in humans, cites the author's work with primates as evidence for the evolutionary basis of ethics, and provides responses by other scientists to De Waal's arguments.

Frans de Waal discusses forty years of animal research on the social and emotional lives of primates to showcase how many animals experience emotions and feelings similar to how humans do. Differentiates between feelings and emotions, and argues that humans are not the only species capable of exhibiting complex emotions. Discusses facial expressions and gestures once thought to be distinctly human but are now recognized as universal signals of feeling and emotion, which in turn raises questions about the universal nature of free will and animal sentience. Specifically looks at the chimpanzee Mama who formed a significant bond with a biologist and whose emotional and intelligent responses helped inspire similar animal research.

Explores a number of animals that science has recently found to be much more intelligent than previously thought--such as an elephant and its ability to classify humans by age, race, and language. Discusses what research on animals like crows, dolphins, sheep, whales, and chimpanzees has revealed about the capabilities and limits of animal intelligence and how they stack up next to human intelligence.

Explores the depth of animal intelligence.

Explores the idea that moral systems and ethics are part of human biology rather than a cultural force.

Presents the author's research on how human's DNA relationship with their closest biological relatives, primates such as chimpanzees and bonobos, influence and inform a wide range of human behavior.

A study of empathy, drawing evidence from the observed social behaviors of a variety of animals to argue that animals and humans are "preprogrammed" to reach out to one another.