Should great apes (chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos, orangutans) be granted personhood status?

Question

"Personhood brings with it all manner of rights and protections."

"We humans understand the other great apes much more completely than was possible even a few years ago. We now know that chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos, and human beings are all species of African great apes. Together with orang-utans, we are members of a slightly larger taxonomic group known as the great apes, or "hominoidea." Not only do we have a new understanding of our biological kinship with the other great apes, but we have also gained an awareness about their complex emotional and social repertoires. This knowledge brings with it an ethical and constitutional issue which is fundamentally important to the system of values which informs and animates our society and, hence, our law. That issue is whether we can, in good conscience, maintain the legal distinction between persons and nonpersons by drawing a bright line around human beings (and a few of their creations), to the absolute exclusion of all others."

http://www.personhood.org/personhood/lawreview/

Lauren-No, I'm not kidding. Personally, I haven't made up my mind yet. I can understand why some people, including Jane Goodall, are arguing for "personhood" for these great apes as they are "endangered" species. In the case of the Mountain Gorilla, they are "critically endangered."

http://www.personhood.org/personhood/lawreview/

One argument that comes to mind for me is: Imagine an alien race of amazingly smart beings came to our planet. They're smarter than us, and they decide they like Earth and will stay here. We humans figure we have much to gain from making peace with this advanced culture. Unfortunately, they think engaging in conversation with us is beneath them (akin to us talking to a fish) and to be avoided at all costs. Do you think they'd treat us peacefully or perhaps not respect us and our rights as sentient beings?

Is our only argument for not granting great apes' personhood status, that they're not as smart as us?

Answer 1

There is a definable line for sentient conduct, which includes the ability to keep track of abstract concepts, to use language creatively and consistently, and the ability to identify onself in a mirror.

Some of the great apes, notably gorillas, frequently display these characteristics. Few other species do with any frequency.

But, while non-humans display some aspects of sentience, our legal and social system is not set up to handle recognition of other species with such a radically different worldview and cognitive ability.

Heck, we can't even get equal rights for all the humans on this planet, and that step comes first. So, as much as we may want to protect their lives and freedom, most non-humans don't have the ability (current or reasonable potential) to participate on equal terms with humans. Not yet.

Not that acting like humans is always a good thing.

Answer 2

This issue must be looked upon in two lights:

1) Ehically
2) Legally.

I would assume that is why its in the legal/ethics section of this message board. NOw ethically, should great apes be granted personhood status. They are cognizant beings with thought patterns, some sort of language that only they understand, obvious emotons and memory. So in the ethical field the answer is yes.
However, legally personhood status, I believe should be reserved for more important things such as protecting tribes in africa and their inherent human rights, saving people from inhumane conditions and improving the lives of PEOPLE who would otherwise not have that option. Animals should legally not have the same rights as us.

Answer 3

When someone can show me the Great Ape cities and civilization along with the Great Ape technology and scientific advances I'll be willing to consider them an equal. Until then they're just another smelly animal that drinks its own pee and flings its poo.

Answer 4

a chimpanzee, a gorilla, a bonobo, and an orangutan are sitting at a bar. In walks a lawyer with a huge bag of bananas and asks,

is that monkey juice you're drinking?

Answer 5

No!
I have known quite a few baboons in my lifetime, I would never give them the status of person hood.
As for rights for animals, they had that long before children had rights.

Answer 6

As long as they can become viable consumers w/credit cards and spending habits, as long as they become purchasers of unnecessary plastic items, I am sure they would be welcomed into your materially driven economy and world whether they would be considered persons or not.. Actually, in looking at the political make-up of your higher offices, I had thought they already had rcvd such status.

Answer 7

Ask the ACLU to take it to the Massachusetts Supremette Court. They'll buy anything!

Answer 8

I don't believe they should, omegawoman. Persons like you and I have an immortal soul; animals like apes don't. You and I were created in the image of God himself, and none of us evolved from lower life forms.

Answer 9

Yes, and put them in political offices everywhere.

Answer 10

Sure when they can apply for asylum themselves and can read and sign the papers.