Is it not our arrogance that we search for a meaning to human life more important than those of other species?

Answer 1

I totally agree! I think it's the height of human arrogance for some of us to assume that everything (including other animal species) was put on earth for us to exploit. We also like to separate ourselves as much as possible from nature. Sure, we may be able to send people into space and build skyscrapers, but we're really more like the other animal species than we'd like to think.

Answer 2

Oh, we're an arrogant species all right.

And our arrogance is far more likely to lead to our annihilation than the use of condoms or birth control pills.

And, yes, it's definitely a question for philosophers to attend to. For if we do not think about it, we may never act upon it.

Now, that does NOT mean that I think all species are created equal. As much as I loved The Yearling, when I read it as a child, that doesn't keep me from wanting to make venison of these herds of deer that are now taking over the countryside--chewing up all the flowers and shrubs in my backyard and wrecking my vehicle on the Interstate.

But what I know is that The Yearling has become The Villain because of human arrogance. When we destroy the natural order of things, which we do with increasing thoughtlessness and, yes, arrogance, we have to live with the disorder that results.

So bring back the wolves and coyotes and mountain lions and cougars. They'll keep the Bambis and Flags of the world in place.

Protect green space from interstates and parkling lots and suburban sprawl. That'll give the Bambis and Flags a place to be kept--and my grandchildren and I a place to walk in the woods and see wildflowers in bloom and butterflies on the wing.

Bring back the rain forests and the ozone layer, and our grandchildren and their grandchildren may have a place as well as Bambi and Flag.

We can take pride in the minds we humans inherit as a part of our species ONLY if we use those minds to protect ourselves and our world--and all those other species (well, maybe not fire ants and kudzu in the US and Bambis rampant, but most all species).

So in answer to your question, I'd say it's justifiable pride to protect ourselves and our world as important, but it is arrogance (and ignorance) NOT to protect those other species as well.

[And on the matter of instinct and mental assent, see my comments on your question, Can we really fall in love without at least a tacit OK of the mind or a subconsciously deliberated choice? You gotta maintain balance in more ways than one. That's what it means to have a philosophic mind, right?]

Answer 3

Have eagles created space shuttles? Can squirrels create fighter jets? Do lions run printing presses? Can antelope preserve the beauty around them through photography or ANY other means? Of course not. Mankind is indeed very special when compared to the rest of the animal kingdom. Your question is an insult to your own intellect.

Answer 4

It'd be a first for any species to put other species in front of their own survival.

Answer 5

not really. All an animal needs is food and shelter. Human beings are more complex than that. It's pretty self evident when you think about it, considering rich people are never satisfied, poor people want to be rich.

The enlightened man can satisfy his own needs.

Answer 6

Their are 6,000,000,000 people on earth and trillions and trillions of other animals on the planet. Who gives a crap if a fruit fly's life has meaning?

Answer 7

hey i think someone asked this question. :)