TED Talks Daily Why monkeys (and humans) are wired for fairness | Sarah Brosnan
Dec 10, 2020
Sarah Brosnan, a primatologist specializing in cooperation among monkeys, uncovers the evolutionary roots of fairness shared by humans and capuchins. She shares captivating footage revealing how these monkeys react to perceived injustice, suggesting that our sense of equality is deeply ingrained. The discussion dives into how fairness influences cooperation, decision-making, and societal dynamics, highlighting its crucial role in fostering healthy social interactions and addressing systemic inequalities.
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Ozzie's Trades
- Sarah Brosnan observed capuchin monkey Ozzie trying to trade items for peanuts.
- Surprisingly, Ozzie offered items he seemed to value more than peanuts, like a piece of orange.
The Cucumber Experiment
- Brosnan designed a study where monkeys traded tokens for rewards.
- One monkey received cucumbers, while the other received either cucumbers or the preferred grapes.
Human Fairness Obsession
- Humans, like capuchin monkeys, exhibit a strong aversion to unfairness.
- A study showed humans would choose lower salaries to avoid earning less than others.