Similarities and Differences between Chimpanzees and Humans in Social Intelligence and Other Aspects

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  • Yamamoto Shinya
    京都大学霊長類研究所林原生物化学研究所類人猿研究センター

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  • チンパンジーとヒトの共通点・相違点 : 社会的知性を中心に
  • チンパンジー ト ヒト ノ キョウツウテン ソウイテン シャカイテキ チセイ オ チュウシン ニ

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Abstract

The chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), one of our closest living relatives, can be biologically categorized in a taxonomic family, Hominidae (anglicized hominid), together with Homo sapiens and the other great apes. There have been many studies investigating the evolution of the mind by comparing chimpanzees with human beings. In this article, I will discuss the similarities and differences between the two species from the perspective of comparative cognitive science. Recent studies have revealed that chimpanzees demonstrate similar behavioral and cognitive properties, such as tool- use, culture, and sophisticated social intelligence previously considered unique to human beings. Like human beings, chimpanzees are also known to show altruistic traits, such as helping others among their species without any direct benefit to themselves. Yet, several differences between the two species have also been brought to light: e. g. chimpanzees help others upon request, but not voluntarily. Such differences might be due to those in the two species' social and/ or ecological environments, with each evolving in accordance with its surroundings, and acquiring the essential behavioral and cognitive properties for survival. We cannot say which species is superior. Instead, we can characterize through comparison, and as a result, solicit respect for our own and other species' identities.

Journal

  • 人文學報

    人文學報 100 145-160, 2011-03

    THE INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH IN HUMANITIES, KYOTO UNIVERSITY

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