EPTOn March 01 2015 19:18 Frudgey wrote:
I understand the sentiment that just because an animal does something doesn't mean we should do it. If I ever have kids one day that certainly would be something I would say to them. That being said, I think the reason why we think that is because we have a greater intellect than animals do, so we impose "higher standards" on ourselves. Therefore, we think that we should act differently than animals.
And I think we say that say that it would be "wrong" for us to act in similar fashion in animals in some cases because our society has deemed that acting in that way would be "wrong". But does that mean society is right? Why is it that we can't look to the animal kingdom for guidance for our actions? I'm not saying that we should, but I think we would have to ask ourselves why it would be a bad thing. Me personally I think our higher intellect just puts us in a different spot than some other animals.
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Also, while I do agree that humans have superior intellect than other animals on this planet, I don't think that we are inherently "superior", but rather just different. I think because we a greater intellect that gives us a greater capacity for kindness, but also a greater capacity for malice as well. I think a huge thing that also separates us from other animals is our self-awareness.
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So while yes it's true that we've done many things that animals can't hope to accomplish. We have social programs to help those who need it. We've had so many technological advancements. We have medicine for things that ail us (Though that's a whole other conversation altogether) and we created empires. But it is also humans who are responsible for things such as poverty, world wars, Jewish concentration camps, and global warming. If there is anyone who is going to be responsible for this planet's destruction it is going to be us.
All that to say is, I don't think humans are superior than other animals. While we have a greater intellect than them, I don't think that makes us "better" than them. I think it just makes us different. Of course my entire argument becomes a moot point if you think superiority comes from greater intelligence.
No disrespect, but I think this is something that we're just going to have to agree to disagree on, Parnage.
I understand the sentiment that just because an animal does something doesn't mean we should do it. If I ever have kids one day that certainly would be something I would say to them. That being said, I think the reason why we think that is because we have a greater intellect than animals do, so we impose "higher standards" on ourselves. Therefore, we think that we should act differently than animals.
And I think we say that say that it would be "wrong" for us to act in similar fashion in animals in some cases because our society has deemed that acting in that way would be "wrong". But does that mean society is right? Why is it that we can't look to the animal kingdom for guidance for our actions? I'm not saying that we should, but I think we would have to ask ourselves why it would be a bad thing. Me personally I think our higher intellect just puts us in a different spot than some other animals.
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But I sometimes think that we're not much different than animals when you break it right down. Ever notice how "might makes right" in the animal kingdom? Like how the powerful animals get to set the rules and standards for all of the other critters? I think human society works in very much the same way. I mean think about it. All of our rules are created by the government or extremely big companies, who also happen to have the most power. I think we think ourselves different, but I really do believe that "might makes right" is the fundamental rule that humans operate on. At least, the rule when that we operate on when you break everything down. I know that I'm not considering many things, and not everyone tries to live their live in accordance to those rules, but I'm just saying for the big picture that's what I think is happening.
Also, while I do agree that humans have superior intellect than other animals on this planet, I don't think that we are inherently "superior", but rather just different. I think because we a greater intellect that gives us a greater capacity for kindness, but also a greater capacity for malice as well. I think a huge thing that also separates us from other animals is our self-awareness.
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However, I think much like animals, humans are motivated by self interest. While yes one might ask why people donate or do similar benevolent things, I think you could still argue that we do those things out of self interest. While it's late right now and I'm a tired panda, if anyone has questions as to what I mean by this let me know and I'll flesh out my thoughts fully on this subject.
So while yes it's true that we've done many things that animals can't hope to accomplish. We have social programs to help those who need it. We've had so many technological advancements. We have medicine for things that ail us (Though that's a whole other conversation altogether) and we created empires. But it is also humans who are responsible for things such as poverty, world wars, Jewish concentration camps, and global warming. If there is anyone who is going to be responsible for this planet's destruction it is going to be us.
All that to say is, I don't think humans are superior than other animals. While we have a greater intellect than them, I don't think that makes us "better" than them. I think it just makes us different. Of course my entire argument becomes a moot point if you think superiority comes from greater intelligence.
No disrespect, but I think this is something that we're just going to have to agree to disagree on, Parnage.
As I type this to you on a machine that 30 years ago would of been considered the work of science fiction using a world wide communications network that allows our species to literally communicate from around the globe in real time, I can't help but think you underestimate just how amazing humanity is.
We are not without flaws, or setbacks. Yes we've committed genocide and waged war but while tragic it would be inherently foolish to think that because we are capable of evil that we can't do good. I assure you that good people do exist, philanthropy is quite real and in the grand scheme of things Humanity as a whole is good.
We are better then animals merely by the fact we are able to have the discussion in the first place. You do not need to be ashamed of your species or think of yourself as equal to the ant or bear. You are far greater. We all are.
Personally I'd be a tad depressed to think that all of the good humanity has done, all of the wonders we've made and discovered all of it means nothing because we can't overcome being equal to those douchebag dolphins.
