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0064. What is "veneer theory"? The idea that…

…morality is deep in our nature

…people put up a "moral facade" that hides their actual selfish intentions

…culture is an overlay that exerts control on our underlying brutish nature

…human morality is rooted in the super ego

…humans are fundamentally moral but that social institutions distort our nature

+ Solution and explanation

Veneer theory is a term coined by Dutch primatologist Frans de Waal in his book "Primates and Philosophers: How Morality Evolved" to denote the view that human morality is "a cultural overlay, a thin veneer hiding an otherwise selfish and brutish nature." He argues against it, positing instead the idea that you can see the bases of moral behavior in other primates.

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