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The Bonobo and the Atheist
Frans De Waal
In Search of Humanism Among the Primates
W. W. Norton
April 2013
On Sale: March 25, 2013
305 pages
ISBN: 0393073777
EAN: 9780393073775
Kindle: B007Q6XKEY
Hardcover / e-Book
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Non-Fiction
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. For 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.
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