I know three terrific cognitive scientists who study empathy in newborn primates (Frans deWaal), in newborn children (Andy Melzoff), or in both (Mike Tomasello). All three have been reporting for years that both primate and human babies seem to be endowed with natural empathy toward their respective cohorts. Their empathic behavior could not be explained as the product of training or habituation (nurture), given the extremely young age when they begin to reveal it.
The only explanation is that they are born with it (nature). That is, 10-odd million years of evolution as a social species has succeeded in making them – genetically, instinctively – predisposed toward feeling the pain – and joy – of their fellow conspecifics.
Consider now a recent piece of news. There was a cruise ship moored near the California coast, with scores of reported cases of the Corona Virus on board. Both the state of California and federal authorities agreed on a plan to disembark the passengers and crew at a Navy base near Oakland, then quarantine and test them there.
In a subsequent news conference, the current occupant of the White House is reported to have said: “I don’t want them disembarked in California, they will jack up my numbers of infected people.”
So, monkeys are born with natural empathy. Human babies are born with natural empathy. You’d think by now this 73-years-ol Hominid could have acquired, by dint of training, example or – God forbid, reflection – some human (or primate?) empathy.
Tom GivónIgnacio
