Symposium commemorating honorary doctor Frans de Waal

The recently deceased primatologist Frans de Waal caused a tilt in the dominant image of the relationship between humans and animals. He achieved this not only with pioneering scientific research, but also through his accessible style and extraordinary personality. On Friday afternoon 17 May, the University of Humanistic Studies is organising a symposium focusing on the great significance of his work.

When we look into the eyes of a Chimpanzee or a Bonobo, guided by Frans de Waal, we do not see a strange animal, but a person who shows a deep kinship with us. In the symposium, we will discuss the significance of his pioneering work for scientific research into the intelligence and emotions of other animals. We also look at the wider significance of his thinking for an empathetic and respectful relationship with nature.  

Frans de Waal gained world fame for his research on monkey behaviour and wrote many books on animal social behaviour. In doing so, he made connections between psychology, philosophy and biology. In 2009, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Humanistic Studies. 

Also read: In memoriam honorary doctor Frans de Waal: He advanced our thinking about humans and animals

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Programme (in Dutch)

13.15  Inloop

13.30  Opening door UvH-rector Joke van Saane 

13.35  Jan van Hooff, Herinneringen aan Frans de Waal

14.00  Jorg Massen (UU), Emoties en bewustzijn in dieren

14.25  Anne Marijke Schel (UU), Our communicating cousins: welke aspecten van onze taal delen we met primaten?

14.50  Joachim Duyndam, Waarden aan en in het werk van Frans de Waal

15.15   Pauze

15.40  Henk Manschot, Is de mens een dier tussen de dieren? Filosofische kanttekeningen bij een stelling van Frans de Waal

16.05  Harry Kunneman, Het werk van Frans de Waal als radicale vernieuwing van het humanisme

16.30  Slotgesprek

16.50  Borrel tot 17.30 uur

Met medewerking van Gezelschap Waardenwerk en het Humanistisch Verbond.