Fearful apes, happy apes: Is fearfulness associated with uniquely human cooperation?

Behav Brain Sci

Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, 1018 WS Amsterdam, The https://www.uva.nl/en/profile/n/i/m.nikolic/m.nikolic.html.

Published: May 2023

In the fearful ape hypothesis, Grossmann argues that heightened fearfulness increases human-unique cooperation. We suggest that this conclusion, however, may be premature. In particular, we question Grossmann's singling out of fear as affective trait that enhances cooperative care. Additionally, we problematize the extent to which heightened fearfulness in humans, and its association with human-unique cooperation, are supported empirically.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0140525X22001911DOI Listing

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