Dominance Style and the First Hints of Democracy in Primates

Speaker:

Frans B. M. de Waal, Emory University

Hosted by:

The American Anthropological Association

(Biological Anthropology Section)



AAA 100th Annual Meeting

Washington DC

Wardman Park Marriott

November 29, 2001

Speaker Biography:

Dr. Frans B. M. de Waal is Charles Howard Candler Professor of Primate Behavior in the Psychology Department of Emory University and the Director of the Living Links Center for the Advanced Study of Ape and Human Evolution at Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center in Atlanta. He has authored five popular books that have reached a large international audience, edited or co-edited eight volumes, and written numerous scientific articles and scholarly book chapters. Dr. de Waal is perhaps best known for his work on conflict resolution, reconciliation, and the origins of morality in primates, especially chimpanzees and bonobos. The implications of his research findings and conclusions for increasing our understanding of human behavior are numerous and far-reaching.

Presentation Summary:

Dr. de Waal's talk was entitled "Dominance Style and the First Hints of Democracy in Primates." The lecture highlighted the Decade of Behavior theme of "democracy," serving to illustrate the role of the behavioral and social sciences in researching this important topic. Dr. de Waal's presentation provided insights into democratic behaviors that not only transcend human cultures, but that transcend species boundaries as well.