Some animals are surprisingly sensitive to the plight of others. Chimpanzees, who cannot swim, have drowned in zoo moats trying to save others. And given the chance to get food by pulling a chain that would involve delivering an electric shock to a companion, rhesus monkeys will starve themselves for several days.
The beginnings of morality? Biologists argue that these and other social behaviours are the precursors to human morality. They further believe that if morality grew out of behavioural rules shaped by evolution, it is for biologists, not philosophers or theologians, to say what these rules are.
It was also suggested that women are naturally amoral. Women can be moral, but it is not natural to them. It requires the support of moral men.
http://antimisandry.com/scientist_finds_beginnings_morality_primate_behavior-t4535.html?t=4535Scientist
Tags: