On Atheists and Bonobos

📖 The Scoop

This book 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:

I. Denying Our Inner Animal - Cartesian dogs, religious baggage and false dichotomies

II. Morality and Evolution - Between chimpanzees and bonobos

III. The Demise of Veneer Theory - Science discovers human cooperation and empathy

IV. The Roots of Religion - A sociological approach

V. Community Concern - Chimpanzee groups and Golden Rules

VI. Beyond Theatrics - Reconciling science, religion and mortality

VII. American Exceptionalism - Speculations on religiosity

VIII. Testing Morality - Fairness, cooperation, risk-taking and more

IX. Reasons for Optimism - Positive behaviour throughout the animal world

X. Breaking Down Barriers - Towards species continuity

About Ideas Roadshow Conversations: Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research.

Genre: Science / Life Sciences / Zoology / Primatology (fancy, right?)