*"Frans de Waal: Moral Behavior in Animals"

There is a common presumptive view about human nature. A view that states our nature is independent, self-interested, and lacks pro-social behavior. We are social evolutionists in a race for wealth, power, and status without regard for others. We are selfish and destructive animals. And much of theology positions itself in contrast to this view or, as theologians would have it, vice versa. John Milbank states that social theory begins with power, conflict, and violence. While theology begins with the romantic and benevolent launching point of peace. As a prior post has shown, this starting point, to say the least, has created its own share of conflict and violence with its power.

The debate on human nature can go back as far as Mencius (4th Century BCE), who debated the innate goodness of human nature against Xunzi - who defended that human nature is evil. The latter point is echoed in Thomas Hobbes who states, in his 'Leviathan,' that a "naturall condition of mankind" is one of "Warre where every man is Enemy to every man” and life is “solitary, poore, nasty, brutish, and short." 

Frans de Waal, begins with the premise that if we can understand what is considered moral behavior amongst primates and other animals, then we should be able to gain some insight into our own. For those who don't take the position of evolution, then the following examples from de Waal are things to consider within your paradigm and launching point regarding human nature (and perhaps consider what the place of science and evolution is within that schema).

It is easy to focus on the competitive and aggressive aspects of primate behavior, as well as human behavior, but what is missing in this picture is the consistent ability for reconciliation. In the following video, de Waal seeks to establish two pillars of morality: Reciprocity/Fairness and Empathy/Compassion. If the evolution of the brain follows and we, at minimum, have the cognitive capacities of other animals (forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain) and then some (cerebral cortex), then we should also begin with the premise that we too are empathic, pro-social, reciprocating animals and then some. And of course, we are capable of violence, conflict, and authoritative behaviors as well. Morality is multi-faceted.

But watch the video, even if you don't agree with the line of reasoning. It's at least fun to watch animals cooperate with each other and behave in ways that seemingly demand equality and fairness.