I have no problem with the viewpoint that human beings are animals who happen to have developed intellect as our most apparent evolutionary advantage. Others find this offensive.
Why should we be differentiated from the entire kingdom of animals? If we are simply one of the millions of lucky species that have adapted to the current environment, what would change in your perception of humanity ?
2006-08-28 06:00:40 · 17 answers · asked by NHBaritone 7 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Nothing differentiates us from animals, we are just animals, more intelligent, sure; but animals in the end.
Now, why do I say this? It's quite simple for me, while we humans might seem to have "souls", emotions, feelings or whatever, we're not the only ones. I'm not even going to go into the most advanced animals like dolphins and monkeys here. Even dogs can clearly express emotions and feelings.
Most animals can also learn from their past, so I am pretty sure this doesn't set us apart either.
2006-08-28 06:24:51 · answer #1 · answered by cactuar2k 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
We are animals. Mammals to be exact. And we are not one of the lucky species to adapt to the current environment. Because mankind itself created this environment. And a characteristic of a mammal is one who can adapt to society, not make society adapt to us. We are strong minded intelligent beings, but we are far from the most intelligent. Elephants might be smarter than us in truth by nature. And ours stems from many generations of ones who plot. And we do the same. But when the plot can acyually be successfull, our boastfull human nature thinks we are above all and can conquer all. Humans are the only species on this planet that is really throwing it off balance. Most other things move with the balance. For we too at one time used to be in perfect balance with nature, the universe, and GOD. Where the only thing we had to worry about was food, clothing, and shelter. Which in fact nature itself provided. For we were originally nomadic and were always able to come accross abundant supply. the only thing that makes humans "not just animals" , to my belief, is our superiority complex. It is deemed as a true mental disorder, but is far from overlooked. It is with the state of mind you always want to be the most popular, the smartest, the wisest, the funniest, have the most money, drive the nicest car, the toughest, and so on. Animals don't really hold this characteristic because they have natural order. Like the original man of a patriarch or even a matriarch society. We simply understood our place. Just like the animal kingdom. But to answer your question, the only thing that makes humans "not just animals" is our superiority complex. Not just over the earth and what it holds, but the human race too. PEACE!
2006-08-28 06:23:23 · answer #2 · answered by Mitchell B 4 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Maybe we don't have enough knowledge to really know for sure. Like you can say
Are we really just electromagnetic beings? Just as other "animals" are? Maybe our opinion on weather humans are just animals depends on what we were taught in school and how far science has progressed in our understanding of nature. There are many philosophies and religions who knows who is right and wrong. We don't know where we came from, why we are here, where we are going. It doesn't seem anyone knows for sure.
2014-10-23 07:23:45 · answer #3 · answered by Nicky B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We Are Just Animals
2017-01-20 19:55:30 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The was a program on channel 4 all about this. I don't know if you are in the UK or not but even if you're not there might be something on the website. It was from the only human series and explained all about what makes us human. They compared brains between humans and pigs (who we have the closest brain to). Try the link below. I hope this helps!
2006-08-28 06:06:10 · answer #5 · answered by claire 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Humans will find any way to make themselves stand out. Unlike other animals, we do not wish to blend in, to hide in the background. Besides that, humans are the only animals that have been studied, and show remorse, regret, or sadness because of their actions. Elephants and other animals do feel sadness as shown by their graveyards, elephants will mourn over the bodies of relatives for years, constantly going back and touching the bones of their loved ones. But, humans believe themselves better, and then thinking they are higher than base instinct, will feel bad because of an argument, a fight. Humans will always remember the past, but will not always learn from it. For "simpler" animals, it's learn to live, not learn from mistakes.
2006-08-28 06:11:12 · answer #6 · answered by desertsphynx 2 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Biologically speaking, humans are no different from other inhabitants of this planet. We have all the physical/natural urges as any other animal. However what makes humans different from other species is their ability to think about their own thoughts. This remarkable ability gives rise to self-consciousness, and soft emotions that stand at the cradle of all arts and sciences.
2006-08-28 07:37:20 · answer #7 · answered by sophus 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Yes. I totally agree with you on your first statement. We're basically monkeys that have evolved with intellect. We shouldn't be comparing them to us, but the other way around. I mean, we're just as dumb as them, we're just dumb on a higher level. I guess we really don't know do we.
I think my perception in humanity is....well i really don't have one... : /
We should also be right up there on the animal kingdom. not on the top, but in a more modest place by the primates. I mean, we DO eat bananas and stuff, right??
2006-08-28 06:11:25 · answer #8 · answered by Instant. 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
First of all...Humans are animals the most advanced because of their ability to think and adapt to any situation..as far as evolution is concerned its a hoax. Many objects that were used as evidence to prove the theory of evolution are man made and are merely used to decieve the layman. For example; evolutionists once claimed that the fossils of the intermediate life forms that link todays animals to prehistoric ones should be in millions but haven't found one yet, and also the piltdown man that was once used as an evidence was just a orangutans jawbone attached to a human cranium...you will find more evidences by following the source below...
2006-08-28 06:10:56 · answer #9 · answered by Shahbaaz Ali K 3 · 0⤊ 6⤋
First of all we are self aware .. one of the hallmarks of the human animal. Secondly we are the only species to give rise to such etherial concepts as art and music. Third we are the only species to value our own history and use it as a tool.
2006-08-28 06:07:24 · answer #10 · answered by sam21462 5 · 5⤊ 3⤋