Show for Sept. 26, 2010. Felix Warneken and Robert Sapolsky on the Nicer Side of Primates
Science has done a lot to expose the darker side of human behavior, and that of our primate relatives, so we thought it was time to highlight some more encouraging studies. In part one of the show, developmental psychologist Felix Warneken looks for and finds evidence of instinctive altruism in young humans and chimps. In part two, neurobiologist Robert Sapolsky discovers that even baboons—long believed to be incorrigibly bellicose—can change their ways and make nice.
Felix Warneken Robert Sapolsky and colleague
To hear the whole show, click the play arrow above, or download the MP3 here.
Check out Robert Sapolsky’s wonderful book, A Primate’s Memoir, about his years studying baboons in Kenya. The book covers the period leading up to the discoveries Robert described on our show.
Children and Chimps: Good for Goodness Sake?
On our Sept 26, 2010 show, we talked to developmental psychologist Felix Warneken about his search for the roots of altruism in humans and apes. He’s conducted experiments showing naturally helpful behavior in both young children and chimpanzees. Time after time, toddlers and chimps go out of their way to help others with no apparent expectation of reward. Skeptical? Check out the videos.
Show for May 23, 2010. The Moral Life of Babies: Interview with Psychologist Paul Bloom; Aging and Happiness: Psychologist Arthur Stone
Yale University psychologist Paul Bloom discusses recent research on infant morality. He says babies may not be saints, but they’ve got a much more developed sense of right and wrong than previously thought. Then, is youth wasted on the young? A large-scale study indicates that people get happier as they age, especially after 50. Psychologist Arthur Stone of Stoney Brook U. describes the findings.
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