The evolution of animal play, emotions, and social morality: On science, theology, spirituality, personhood, and love

My essay first takes me into the arena in which science, spirituality, and theology meet. I comment on the enterprise of science and how scientists co uld well benefit from reciprocal interactions with theologians and religiou s leaders. Next, I discuss the evolution of social morality and the ways in which various aspects of social play behavior relate to the notion of "beh aving fairly." The contributions of spiritual and religious perspectives ar e important in our coming to a fuller understanding of the evolution of mor ality. I go on to discuss animal emotions, tic concept of personhood, and h ow our special relationships with other animals, especially the companions with whom we share our homes, help us to define our place in nature, our hu manness. It is when we take the life of another being in the ritual of comp assionately euthanizing them ("putting them to sleep") that who we are in t he grand scheme of things comes to the fore. I end with a discussion of the importance of ethological studies, behavioral research in which a serious attempt is made to understand animals in their own worlds, inquiries in whi ch it is asked, "What is it like to be another species?" Species other than nonhuman primates need to be studied. I plead for developing compassionate , heartfelt, and holistic science that allows for interdisciplinary talk ab out respect, grace, spirituality, religion, love, Earth, and God.