Subscribe now

Letter: If dogs have a natural sense of morality, so do we

Published 9 October 2024

From Jocelyn Ripley, New York, US

Research on animal behaviour has shown that if you serve two dogs (that know each other) an unfair treat, they know and show anxiety. So isn’t basic morality hardwired in some species? Wouldn’t we be one of these? As soon as we appreciate quantity, we acquire the rudiments of morality, in other words, what is fair and unfair (Letters, 14 September).

Issue no. 3512 published 12 October 2024

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop