On Atheists and Bonobos

This book is based on an in-depth 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:

1. Denying Our Inner Animal - Cartesian dogs, religious baggage and false dichotomies
2. Morality and Evolution - Between chimpanzees and bonobos
3. The Demise of Veneer Theory - Science discovers human cooperation and empathy
4. The Roots of Religion - A sociological approach
5. Community Concern - Chimpanzee groups and Golden Rules
6. Beyond Theatrics - Reconciling science, religion and mortality
7. American Exceptionalism - Speculations on religiosity
8. Testing Morality - Fairness, cooperation, risk-taking and more
9. Reasons for Optimism - Positive behaviour throughout the animal world
10. Breaking Down Barriers - Towards species continuity

About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series (100 books):

Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research featuring world-leading researchers, including 3 Nobel Laureates, but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research. Howard Burton holds a PhD in physics and an MA in philosophy, and was the Founding Director of Canada's Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.

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