The Arrogant Ape

Summary

Primatologist Christine Webb makes the case that human exceptionalism – the belief that we’re the cleverest, most virtuous species ever – is cultural ideology rather than biological fact, with more belief than evidence behind it. Drawing on research into the minds and cultures of other species, from chimpanzees to fungi, she argues that giving up our superiority brings awe and belonging, as well as obligations.

Rationale

Webb finds human exceptionalism biasing the science of other species’ minds, a reminder that no one studies nature from outside culture. Our glossary entry on human exceptionalism draws on her.