A couple weeks ago I linked to Stephen Budiansky’s critical review of Dale Peterson’s new book, The Moral Lives of Animals. I’ve discovered several reviews since then, two of which are written by author Helene Guldberg: here and here.

I’ve now found an interview with Peterson that, if you’ve not read the book, might help you see exactly where he stands on the matter. Enjoy.

Laboratory rats rallying around their mates. Elephants mounting a daring rescue mission to save a herd of captive antelope. Apes that make love like humans. For decades the scientific establishment has poured scorn on anyone who has dared to suggest that animals are just as moral as human beings. But is this really a ridiculous notion — or could it be that animals are truly moral creatures?