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Academic Year 2005/2006

Primate Ethics and Primate Minds
ANTH 350 SP
Crosslistings:
PHIL 268

Can nonhuman primates engage in moral reasoning? Do they act ethically? What can other primates tell us about the origins of human ethical practice? Perhaps ethical reasoning is unique to our own species. It requires, for example, considerable social intelligence, including the ability to see oneself in another's position, the ability to be introspective about ones' own behavior, and the ability to form, nurture and maintain complex social relationships in which the well-being of your friends and associates are essential components. Nevertheless, apparent examples of caring and empathetic behavior do exist, not only for other primates, such as apes and monkeys, but for nonprimate species as well. In addition, members of our own species often seem to behave as if they lack insight and a sense of moral justice, not only towards members of their own species, but also towards other species. This course will examine these issues, exploring the evidence for moral reasoning and complex social relationships in humans and other primates, their possible origins, and the implications for the future survival of our primate cousins, and ultimately our own survival.

MAJOR READINGS

Two to three books and a number of articles. About 100-200 pages per week. Specific readings TBA.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Two examinations and two papers.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Please note that this course carries dual General Education designations. When you register for this course, it will be assigned a primary Gened credit of SBS. If you choose to take the course for HA Gened credit instead, you must make this change at the Registrar's Office during the drop/add period. NO CHANGE TO GENED DESIGNATION MAY BE MADE AFTER DROP/ADD ENDS.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS ANTH    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006

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