A lovely TED talk by Frans de Waal on moral behavior in animals. Lots of research into animals that certainly carry over to humans. Their experiments show "prosocial behavior" (as opposed to antisocial competition), empathy and consolation, and reciprocity and fairness in monkeys and other animals. The point is that human morality is an evolved morality many elements of which we share with others in the animal kingdom. We don't need religions or States to explain the consistent and powerful underpinnings of human morality.
The counterpoint TED talk is by Jonathan Haidt on Moral Psychology. It's another view of many of the same threads. He is exploring the difference between Liberals and Conservatives (politically). There are other axes and we need to think about the implications.
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