ABSTRACT
This chapter considers various aspects of the evolution of cooperation and fairness using social play behavior in animals, especially mammals, in which one would expect to see negotiations of cooperation and agreements to behave fairly. It shows that social play might be a "foundation of fairness." The chapter argues that it is through social cooperation that groups are built from individuals agreeing to work in harmony with other individuals. Further, based on research on the neurobiology of human cooperation, the chapter suggests that "being fair" may feel good for animals as well. Incorporated into explanations of social play are such notions as trusting, behaving fairly, forgiving, apologizing, and perhaps justice, behavioral attributes that underlie social morality and moral agency. Cooperation and fairness can evolve on their own because they are important in the formation and maintenance of social relationships. A focus on social cooperation is needed to balance the plethora of research that is devoted to social competition and selfishness.
