Which individual proposed that primates may possess human-like emotions?

The idea that primates may possess human-like emotions is strongly associated with Frans de Waal, who is known for his extensive research in primatology and animal behavior. He has studied emotions in primates, suggesting that they experience empathy, joy, and grief, similar to humans. De Waal's work emphasizes that these emotions are not uniquely human but are present in other primates, challenging the long-held belief that emotional experiences are solely a human trait.

While Charles Darwin also acknowledged similarities between human and animal emotions in his work on evolution, the specific exploration of primates and their emotional lives is most prominently attributed to de Waal. Peter Singer, a philosopher known for his work in animal rights, discusses ethical considerations of animals but does not specifically focus on the emotional capacities of primates. Jane Goodall is renowned for her studies of chimpanzees and their behavior, which correlate closely with human emotional expressions, but the specific framing of primates possessing human-like emotions as a scientific proposition leans more towards de Waal's contributions.

Focusing on de Waal helps highlight a significant shift in the understanding of animal emotions, positioning primates as beings capable of complex emotional lives that mirror some human experiences. This has important implications for animal welfare