About this product

Product Identifiers

PublisherNorton & Company, Incorporated, w. w.

ISBN-100393073777

ISBN-139780393073775

eBay Product ID (ePID)2835664

Product Key Features

Book TitleBonobo and the Atheist : in Search of Humanism Among the Primates

Number of Pages304 Pages

LanguageEnglish

TopicLife Sciences / Evolution, Ethics & Moral Philosophy, Animals / General, Life Sciences / Zoology / Primatology, Emotions, Life Sciences / Zoology / General

Publication Year2013

IllustratorYes

GenreNature, Philosophy, Science, Psychology

AuthorFrans De Waal

FormatHardcover

Dimensions

Item Height0.1 in

Item Weight21.2 Oz

Item Length1 in

Item Width0.6 in

Additional Product Features

Intended AudienceTrade

LCCN72-010399

Dewey Edition23

TitleLeadingThe

ReviewsFrans de Waal offers us a wealth of inspiring observations from the animal realm, combined with thoughtful reflections on the evolution of morality. He makes a convincing case for the natural foundations of a secular ethics that is fully independent of religion without being dogmatically against it., Primatologist De Waal seeks to move beyond the faith-vs.-science divide in this reflection on the origins of morality,drawing from his famed work studying apes.... Readers will enjoy De Waal's affectionate, colorful accounts of animal behavior, and those of religious faith will especially appreciate the author's respectful attitude., Frans de Waal's new book carries the important message that human kindness is a biological feature of our species and not something that has to be imposed on us by religious teaching., A primatologist who has spent his career studying chimpanzees and bonobos, two of humanity's closest living relatives, Mr. de Waal draws on a lifetime of empirical research. His data provides plenty of evidence that religion is not necessary in order for animals to display something that looks strikingly like human morality., This is a writer marshaling the evidence of his life, particularly his life as a scientist, to express a passionately held belief in the possibility of a more compassionate society., De Waal's decades of patient work documenting the 'building blocks' of morality in other animals has revolutionized not just primatology but moral psychology. By revealing our commonalities with other species, he gives us more compassion for them and also for ourselves. It's impossible to look an ape in the eye and not see oneself, de Waal tells us, and this beautifully written book is one long riveting gaze., The perpetual challenge to atheists is that moral behavior requires religion--all that prevents tsunamis of depravity is a deity or two, some nice hymns, and the threat of hellfire and damnation. De Waal shows that human morality is deeply rooted in our primate legacy, long predating the invention of that cultural gizmo called religion. This is an immensely important book by one of our most distinguished thinkers.

Dewey Decimal599.815

SynopsisFor many years, de Waal has observed chimpanzees soothe distressed neighbors and bonobos share their food. Now he delivers fascinating fresh evidence for the seeds of ethical behavior in primate societies that further cements the case for the biological origins of human fairness. Interweaving vivid tales from the animal kingdom with thoughtful philosophical analysis, de Waal seeks a bottom-up explanation of morality that emphasizes our connection with animals. In doing so, de Waal explores for the first time the implications of his work for our understanding of modern religion. Whatever the role of religious moral imperatives, he sees it as a "Johnny-come-lately" role that emerged only as an addition to our natural instincts for cooperation and empathy. But unlike the dogmatic neo-atheist of his book's title, de Waal does not scorn religion per se. Instead, he draws on the long tradition of humanism exemplified by the painter Hieronymus Bosch and asks reflective readers to consider these issues from a positive perspective: What role, if any, does religion play for a well-functioning society today? And where can believers and nonbelievers alike find the inspiration to lead a good life? Rich with cultural references and anecdotes of primate behavior, The Bonobo and the Atheist engagingly builds a unique argument grounded in evolutionary biology and moral philosophy. Ever a pioneering thinker, de Waal delivers a heartening and inclusive new perspective on human nature and our struggle to find purpose in our lives., In this lively and illuminating discussion of his landmark research, esteemed primatologist Frans de Waal argues that human morality is not imposed from above but instead comes from within. Moral behavior does not begin and end with religion but is in fact a product of evolution.

LC Classification NumberE748.L8.A37