Understanding empathy and De Waal’s contribution within the fields of social neurosciences

Abstract

This review delves into the remarkable career and scientific contributions of Frans de Waal, a renowned figure in the field of ethology, primatology with important implications for the field of social neurosciences. Rooted in the Dutch tradition of ethology, influenced by luminaries like Niko Tinbergen and Jan Van Hooff, De Waal's career began with groundbreaking research on chimpanzees, which questioned long-held beliefs about dominance and aggression in animal behavior. His work, epitomized in his influential books, such as "Chimpanzee Politics", “The ape and the sushi master”, “The age of empathy”, not only revolutionized scientific thinking but also ignited discussions about empathy, morality, and complex cognitive functions in animals.

De Waal's interdisciplinary approach extended to neuroscience, particularly in understanding empathy, contributing to the development of an original model: the Perception-Action Model (PAM). The fundamental concept of PAM is that even the most intricate forms of empathy stem from basic neural mechanisms of action-perception, such as mirror neurons. Some behavioral phenomena like motor mimicry and emotional contagion arise from a direct neuroanatomical network activity where sensory information about others' emotional states triggers corresponding behavioral responses. Intriguingly, even the most intricate forms of empathy such as concern, consolation and targeted helping, may have evolved from basic neural mechanisms of action-perception.Through these investigations and theoretical explorations, he advocated for a bottom-up approach to comprehending the cognitive abilities of animals. This approach challenged conventional anthropocentric perspectives and underscored the interconnected emotional and cognitive terrain shared among humans and other species. Beyond academia, De Waal's work has profound implications for how we perceive and interact with animals. By debunking notions of human exceptionalism, he highlights the rich tapestry of emotions that bind all living beings. Through his efforts, De Waal has not only advanced our scientific understanding of animal minds but also fostered a more profound appreciation for the depth of emotional connections across species