Frans de Waal is a Dutch biologist, who is studying primates. France tries to understand the origin of certain human behavior and morals. And for better understanding, he took a closer look into the animal world. In 70’s, when he decided to do more research, all the studies about primate and animal behaviour in general, were based on aggression and violence theory, It was thought, that aggression was a prime instinct, But, Frans discovered, that even though chimpanzes act agressively, they reconcile after a fight. Frans decided to focus on a socially positive tendencies and came to a conclusion,that animals are capable of empathy, sharing and doing favors for each other. Furthermore, they are all for fairness and equality.
empathy
Reading fiction can help boost your…
Reading fiction can help boost your empathy by practicing your ability to see the world through other people’s eyes, whether it be the author’s or a character’s.
In a 2011 experiment where rats were presented…
In a 2011 experiment where rats were presented with chocolate chips and a caged rat, test subjects would first free the caged rat, then share the food.
Rats feel empathy to such a degree that they will ignore a lever…
Rats feel empathy to such a degree that they will ignore a lever that releases a tempting chocolate treat in favor of one that saves a drowning friend.
In 2011 a study found that individuals with high social anxiety…
In 2011 a study found that individuals with high social anxiety had high empathy. The study found that high empathy may make socially anxious individuals more sensitive and attentive to other people’s states of mind.
Soldiers are developing relationships wi …
Soldiers are developing relationships with their battlefield robots, naming them, assigning genders, and even holding funerals when they are destroyed.