On Atheists and Bonobos is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and primatologist Frans de Waal, Emory University, who is renowned for his work on the behaviour and social intelligence of primates. This thought-provoking conversation examines fascinating questions such as: Are we born with an innate sense of “the good”? Do we learn from others what is “wrong”? Does religion determine, or is it a result of, morality?
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Aping Morality, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
- Denying Our Inner Animal – Cartesian dogs, religious baggage and false dichotomies
- Morality and Evolution – Between chimpanzees and bonobos
- The Demise of Veneer Theory – Science discovers human cooperation and empathy
- The Roots of Religion – A sociological approach
- Community Concern – Chimpanzee groups and Golden Rules
- Beyond Theatrics – Reconciling science, religion and mortality
- American Exceptionalism – Speculations on religiosity
- Testing Morality – Fairness, cooperation, risk-taking and more
- Reasons for Optimism – Positive behaviour throughout the animal world
- Breaking Down Barriers – Towards species continuity
Available in electronic format on all major booksellers, including:
–> Also available via your library through JSTOR, ProQuest Ebook Central and EBSCO’s GOBI.
On Atheists and Bonobos is also part of the five-part Ideas Roadshow Collection, Conversations About Anthropology & Sociology, which is available in paperback, hardcover and electronic format.
–> Also available via your library through JSTOR, ProQuest Ebook Central, and EBSCO’s GOBI.
We’ve produced a one-hour video of our conversation with Frans de Waal which is available on Vimeo On Demand: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/onatheistsandbonobos
