Re: Captive chimps not altruistic

James A. Temple wrote:
"Peter H.M. Brooks" <peter@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:djthgf$32l$3@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


James A. Temple wrote:


That does seem to be a very important question. How could any researcher expect chimps to understand the option?


How could any genuinely disinterested researcher preclude that understanding as a possibility?


Heh, heh! I don't believe that a genuinely disinterested researcher could preclude the possibility of comprehension and rationalization by a chimpanzee. However, the one serving as our President might suffice as proof to the contrary. Still, the possibility that the chimps in question could comprehend options doesn't merit expectations and conclusions based upon that possibility.

If it were a wrestling match, I'd try to claim that producing the Shrub in evidence was clearly an unfair move.

It isn't a wrestling match, so I agree with your point, it is evidence to the contrary, but, as you go on to say, the evidence, persuasive as it is, isn't conclusive.



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