Moral Behaviors in Animals- Frans De Waal:

Frans De Waal and his researches with animals are known for morality literature. In this
video, he summarized the whole studies he’s done with primates. The reason why they
thought human morality can be seen also in primates is both primates and humans share same
properties like dominance and reconciliation; which leads both species to be descripted as
social. But social behaviors are not only seen in humans, but also seen in animal behaviors.
Frans De Waal stated pillars of morality as reciprocity and empathy; and other related moral
behaviors like fairness, compassion and consolation. In chimpanzees it is seen that returning
favor is a social behavior, collaboration is also can be learned by both in chimpanzees and
elephants. From the point of empathy, giving emotional body reactions and cognitively
thinking in others’ perspective is also seen in animals. Giving a consolation with social
reactions are also observed. In an experiment, chimpanzees were acting for others welfare
even though they didn’t have to; which is described as a prosocial behavior. Capuchins are
also known highly sensitive about fairness, in which can be seen their famous experiment
video.
From all those studies, we can indicate that all these behaviors are not indigenous for only
humans; but also primates. It is seen that our morality is in an evolution; and we have these
evolved cognitive materials just like primates. Without these basic behaviors (which can be
seen both species), human morality cannot be searched and understood clearly. Also, we can
interpret animal studies’ importance in studying morality.