摘要
科学家通过一系列研究发现，猴子和类人猿能够对公正与否作出判断；同伴若是生病或遇到困难时，它们会提供无私的帮助或是表示同情。它们甚至看上去还具有良知，能够记得自己的责任。这一研究说明，道德是通过进化而出现形成的，它并不是一种独特的人类属性。那可能意味着，我们人类的良知有一部分是由基因决定的。
In a series of studies scientists have found that monkeys and apes can make judgments about fairness, offer altruistic help and empathise when a fellow animal is ill or in difficulties. They even appear to have consciences and the ability to remember obligations. The research implies that morality is not a uniquely human quality and suggests it arose through evolution. That could mean the strength of our consciences is partly determined by our genes.
