Religion and Ethics Forum

Religion and Ethics Discussion => Philosophy, in all its guises. => Topic started by: Bubbles on May 25, 2016, 12:26:22 PM

Title: Do chimps grieve?
Post by: Bubbles on May 25, 2016, 12:26:22 PM
This is interesting

Chimps filmed grieving for dead friend
http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20160517-chimps-grieve-for-dead-friend


I think they do.

I think we share far more than some people like to admit, including scientists. ( who seem determined to point out we may be assuming human behaviour)

Surely we are more wrong by assuming they don't experience as we do?

Title: Re: Do chimps grieve?
Post by: Shaker on May 25, 2016, 12:33:53 PM
Indeed.

Given evolutionary/genetic closeness it would be far more remarkable if they didn't grieve than that they do.
Title: Re: Do chimps grieve?
Post by: floo on May 25, 2016, 12:40:22 PM
Indeed.

Given evolutionary/genetic closeness it would be far more remarkable if they didn't grieve than that they do.

I agree.
Title: Re: Do chimps grieve?
Post by: BeRational on May 25, 2016, 01:07:45 PM
Indeed.

Given evolutionary/genetic closeness it would be far more remarkable if they didn't grieve than that they do.

Agreed.
Title: Re: Do chimps grieve?
Post by: Udayana on May 25, 2016, 01:40:27 PM
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2089522-monkey-seen-caring-for-dying-mate-then-grieving-after-she-dies/

Monkeys too.

Title: Re: Do chimps grieve?
Post by: Aruntraveller on May 25, 2016, 02:09:53 PM
Ssshhh.....Don't tell Sassy.
Title: Re: Do chimps grieve?
Post by: BeRational on May 25, 2016, 02:13:16 PM
Ssshhh.....Don't tell Sassy.

Or Hope!
Title: Re: Do chimps grieve?
Post by: Brownie on May 25, 2016, 02:24:43 PM
I don't doubt that chimps grieve, our own pets grieve, some more than others.  They become very unhappy for a while after a person they live with or a fellow pet they get on with, dies.  I've had this experience twice in my own pet family.  In one case it was extremely traumatic.  It didn't last of course but while it did it was distressing for us and my cat for about three weeks.  So it doesn't surprise me that chimps grieve, as do penguins, cows and elephants.  Probably many others but I don't know enough about them.

I can't see why either Hope or Sassy would object to the idea that animals grieve.  I know they say we are not animals and all that but that doesn't mean they don't recognise other animals have feelings, they've probably had pets.  I'm sure Sassy has, she'll correct me if I'm wrong.
Title: Re: Do chimps grieve?
Post by: Sebastian Toe on May 25, 2016, 05:38:19 PM
Or Hope!
especially not Alan!
Title: Re: Do chimps grieve?
Post by: Gonnagle on May 26, 2016, 10:44:50 AM
Dear Rose,

Quote
( who seem determined to point out we may be assuming human behaviour)

Yes, there is something wrong in that assumption, what is it?

And why do I find this story bewildering, of course they grieve, seems strange that this is news to scientists.

Gonnagle.
Title: Re: Do chimps grieve?
Post by: BeRational on May 26, 2016, 12:44:16 PM
especially not Alan!

Actually you are right. I might be mistaken about Hope, and was confused him with Alan.
Title: Re: Do chimps grieve?
Post by: Walt Zingmatilder on May 28, 2016, 09:03:14 AM
Well, I think the bastards wanted him dead and it's all just show.
Title: Re: Do chimps grieve?
Post by: Bubbles on May 28, 2016, 11:50:17 AM
Well, I think the bastards wanted him dead and it's all just show.

 :P ;)
Title: Re: Do chimps grieve?
Post by: jeremyp on May 28, 2016, 11:48:50 PM
Dear Rose,

Yes, there is something wrong in that assumption, what is it?
Human behaviour is, by definition, behaviour that humans do. If other animals can really grieve, then grieving is not (exclusively) human behaviour.

Quote
And why do I find this story bewildering, of course they grieve, seems strange that this is news to scientists.

Why of course? The ability to grieve implies the ability to understand death which implies an understanding of the concept of future.
Title: Re: Do chimps grieve?
Post by: Gonnagle on May 29, 2016, 01:05:29 PM
Dear Jeremyp,

Quote
Human behaviour is, by definition, behaviour that humans do. If other animals can really grieve, then grieving is not (exclusively) human behaviour.

We say they are exhibiting human behaviour, is it not that we are exhibiting chimp behaviour, that is why I asked the question.

Quote
Why of course? The ability to grieve implies the ability to understand death which implies an understanding of the concept of future.

That to me sounds very human of you.

Gonnagle.
Title: Re: Do chimps grieve?
Post by: jeremyp on May 29, 2016, 01:39:06 PM
Dear Jeremyp,

We say they are exhibiting human behaviour, is it not that we are exhibiting chimp behaviour, that is why I asked the question.
Or perhaps both chimps and humans are exhibiting behaviour of our common ancestor.

Title: Re: Do chimps grieve?
Post by: Walt Zingmatilder on May 29, 2016, 03:28:27 PM
Or perhaps both chimps and humans are exhibiting behaviour of our common ancestor.
chimpius motorwaybuildicus?
Title: Re: Do chimps grieve?
Post by: jeremyp on May 29, 2016, 03:31:23 PM
chimpius motorwaybuildicus?

Don't be ignorant: everybody knows you capitalise the genus and leave the species in lower case e.g. Tyrannosaurus rex. It's Chimpius motorwaybuildicus
Title: Re: Do chimps grieve?
Post by: Walt Zingmatilder on May 29, 2016, 03:34:09 PM
Don't be ignorant: everybody knows you capitalise the genus and leave the species in lower case e.g. Tyrannosaurus rex. It's Chimpius motorwaybuildicus
Get a sense of humour Jezzer.