Small Group Discussions


Breakout 1 Aggression in Non-human Animals
 1. Have you ever seen a dog behave aggressively?  What was the situation?  Why do you think they
were behaving that way?
 2. What are reasons that an animal may act aggressively?  Name as many reasons as you can.
 3. For each of these situations, what is the adaptive function? That is, what purpose do they
serve?


Breakout 2 Social Distance

Consider these scenarios:

•       A woman who has been abused by her husband for 20 years.  One day as her husband threatens
her with a gun, she manages to get the gun from him and kills him.

•       In America, a white police officer shoots and kills and unarmed Black man. Demonstrators
smash store windows and set buildings on fire.

•       In Paris, an organization publishes a disparaging image of Mohamed.  Two men with guns
enter the organization’s office and kill 12 people.

•       A teenager, frustrated with his dog that will not obey, beats the dog with a stick.

1.       Which example upsets you the most? Why?

2.       Can you think of an explanation that would justify the violence in any of these scenarios?