The surprising science of alpha males - Frans de Waal
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Primatologist Frans de Waal explores the privileges and costs of power while drawing surprising parallels between how humans and primates choose their leaders. His research reveals some of the unexpected capacities of alpha males— generosity, empathy, even peacekeeping— and sheds light on the power struggles of human politicians.
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The role of chimpanzee alphas is to be the peacemaker and the most empathetic of the group. Is this how you think of alpha males in our society? How does this differ from the typical image of an alpha male?
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Ainsley Sea
Lesson completed
From the perspective of someone who has read books in which the main characters are described as alpha males by the author, I believe the definition of alpha male from the chimpanzee perspective and human perspective draw many similarities. These books depict characters who are ruthless in obtaining what they want but in many cases, they have tight groups that support them and they protect and care for the people around them. They may be ruthless, cruel, and uncaring from an outside perspective but within their inner circle, they have many of the same characteristics that describe an alpha male chimpanzee. So, from my perspective, I find humans and chimpanzees quite similar in this sense.
Damian Farias
Lesson completed
I think that is what alpha males do in our society. This differs from the typical image of an alpha male because I think that males want something and if the other thing or someone is something that doesn't want it well it makes male angry which I think shows what I think the males is on our society.
Erion Craine
Lesson completed
e often use the term 'alpha male' for a person who above all wants to dominate and has nothing to do with empathy for other people, and who, through aggressive behaviour, wants to gain the recognition and respect of others.
Paulina Bacewicz
Lesson completed
Undeniably it is not how I think about an alpha male. I associate the alpha male more with someone who is aggressive, who uses his position for his own benefit, often giving nothing in return to his subordinates. We often use the term 'alpha male' for a person who above all wants to dominate and has nothing to do with empathy for other people, and who, through aggressive behaviour, wants to gain the recognition and respect of others.
