Morals are natural

[Nucklesack]

In a series of studies, scientists have found that monkeys and apes can make judgments about fairness, offer sympathy and selfless help to others, and even appear to have consciences and the ability to remember obligations.

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Morality may have roots in our primate ancestors
Monkeys and apes have a basic sense of right and wrong, a new study suggests.

By Sarah Knapton
Published: 6:13PM GMT 15 Feb 2009

Although morality has always been viewed as a human trait that sets us apart from the animals, it now appears our closest ancestors share the same scruples.

Scientists have that discovered monkeys and apes can make judgements about fairness, offer sympathy and help and remember obligations.

Researchers say the findings may demonstrate morality developed through evolution, a view that is likely to antagonise the devoutly religious, who see it as God-given.

Professor Frans de Waal, who led the study at Emory University in Georgia, US, said: "I am not arguing that non-human primates are moral beings but there is enough evidence for the following of social rules to agree that some of the stepping stones towards human morality can be found in other animals."

In tests carried out by Prof de Waal, the primates were given a set of tasks to carry out and rewarded with food and affection.

But researchers discovered that the animals strongly objected if they perceived others were being rewarded more than themselves for the same task. Some even sulked or refused to take part any further.

A separate study found chimpanzees spontaneously helped both humans and each other during controlled tests.

Prof De Waal suggests the traits may have developed through natural selection. Some anthropologists believe a sense of morality developed during the last ice age when humans were forced to band together to survive in an increasingly hostile environment.

[Larry Gude (Premo)]

Ah, yes; The Disney view of animals.

[This_person]

Originally Posted by Larry Gude

Ah, yes; The Disney view of animals.

[Nucklesack]

Originally Posted by Larry Gude

Ah, yes; The Disney view of animals.

Why is the view from one fairy tale less valid than the view from the another?

[Larry Gude (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Nucklesack

Why is the view from one fairy tale less valid than the view from the another?

Touche!

[pixiegirl]

I have to be contrary and argue that the examples cited aren't morals but feelings. Love, empathy, jealousy are all feelings. Morals are rules that one lives by, no sex out of marriage, not stealing, not killing, etc. I'm not shocked at all that primates have feelings; my dog has feelings and she's a :boxorocks:.

[Nucklesack]

Originally Posted by pixiegirl

I have to be contrary and argue that the examples cited aren't morals but feelings. Love, empathy, jealousy are all feelings. Morals are rules that one lives by, no sex out of marriage, not stealing, not killing, etc. I'm not shocked at all that primates have feelings; my dog has feelings and she's a :boxorocks:.

Based on the Websters definition of Morals the above are examples of both emotions and morals.

[pixiegirl]

Originally Posted by Nucklesack

Based on the Websters definition of Morals the above are examples of both emotions and morals.

We will have to agree to disagree. I think that they are different and I don't see anything in that definition in regards to my comment on your original post that makes me change my mind.

[Nucklesack]

Originally Posted by pixiegirl

We will have to agree to disagree. I think that they are different and I don't see anything in that definition in regards to my comment on your original post that makes me change my mind.

Thats cause you are too sickly and thin

[OoberBoober]

Originally Posted by pixiegirl

I have to be contrary and argue that the examples cited aren't morals but feelings. Love, empathy, jealousy are all feelings. Morals are rules that one lives by, no sex out of marriage, not stealing, not killing, etc. I'm not shocked at all that primates have feelings; my dog has feelings and she's a :boxorocks:.

From another article on the same subject...

Some animals are surprisingly sensitive to the plight of others. Chimpanzees, who cannot swim, have drowned in zoo moats trying to save others. Given the chance to get food by pulling a chain that would also deliver an electric shock to a companion, rhesus monkeys will starve themselves for several days.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/20/sc...ewanted=1&_r=2

Jumping in water to save one of your own, Not getting food because it causes harm to others... Those are morals.