Morality: Comparing Human and Animal Behavior

Are humans inclined to do good? If you asked Rosseau, the natural moral state of human beings is to be compassionate. On the other hand Spinoza would think that evil is simply a matter of personal preference and Jung might even say that evil is the dark side of God.

Compared to humans, we have several amazing accounts that relate how some animals are capable of doing "good" things outside their regular behaviour. We should really think over our definition of morality.

Nat Geo presents this amazing video which shows how animals are capable of developing complex, rewarding interactions in situations that lie outside of their natural instincts. You have to watch it, it really is heartwarming.



Here's some background of the Nat Geo video:

The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S.) is a wildlife education organization, dedicated to promoting global conservation with interactive programs according to their website.

Founded by a Bhagavan "Doc" Antle in 1982, focusing on wildlife education shows that unite animals and humans so they can interact in positive and productive ways. This "animal ambassadors", as T.I.G.E.R.S names them, have appeared in several TV shows, films and documentaries. Their exposure has given financial support to their fellow members of their species making possible several programs around the globe.

So comparing this huge animal acts of kindness and generosity, to what was found on the infamous Stanford prison experiment is simply striking .



Society is simply an extension of each and everyone, thereby how society behaves is they way that human nature works. It is definitely not something inspiring, even less after learning about the Stanford Prison experiment. The Lucifer Effect is a great book that helps us truly understand the implications of the experiment were through the pen of the very designer of the experiment, Phillip Zambardo.

So do you think humans are naturally inclined to do good?
What were your reactions to both videos?

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