I'd feel far more guilty about killing a human. But, you raise an interesting point: why do we feel very opposed to killing humans, somewhat opposed to killing dogs, cats, or monkeys, yet see nothing wrong with killing mosquitoes?
I think the species closer to use on the genetic tree we feel more empathy towards. Hec, the faces of dogs we can identify emotions just like ours. That's why we feel the way we feel, I think.
2007-03-04 15:26:08
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answer #1
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answered by WWTSD? 5
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Human intelligence. Common sense. Empathy for fellow humans. Come on...ridiculous question. Would you not feel more guilty murdering a human over a monkey just because you didn't have a book or preacher telling you that you should? If there was a God, I think He would be very sad that you don't have enough confidence in the brain He gave you, the common sense he instilled in you, and the empathy He "blessed" you with to figure this out all on your own.
2007-03-05 15:51:13
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answer #2
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answered by Jess H 7
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I'd feel bad for murdering anything (except my ex-husband maybe...LOL). I would probably feel worse about murdering a human, because I'd relate to the person and his family, and I'd feel guilty. However, I'd feel the same way if I murdered a monkey or a dog, just to a slightly lesser extent. Heck, I feel bad if I step on a bug!
How does this affect atheism, though? Just because we don't believe in a God, that doesn't make us any less human or reduce our capacity to feel emotions in any way.
2007-03-04 16:25:52
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answer #3
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answered by rita_alabama 6
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Why the hell would anyone murder a monkey? It is impossible to murder a monkey since murder applies to human beings. But for the record I would feel just as guilty killing a monkey as I would a human.
2007-03-04 15:41:06
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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There are moves afoot in the United Nations to give the higher apes (Chimpanzees, Bonobos, Gorillas and Orangutans) certain rights that cannot be violated, almost akin to human rights. Genetically they are so close to us, there is some call for this, but with no language, they will not even be aware of the change.
And as for murdering humans, I and my loved ones are humans, and I do not want to see any of them hurt in any way. Besides, we as humans all live in community, and since our survival and ability to thrive depends on us get a long with one another, it is reasonable to keep one another as healthy and happy as possible. That survival is not dependent on our fellow primates receiving the same rights, but it is dependent on us caring for one another and finding ways to keep the entire species healthy and happy.
2007-03-04 15:30:59
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answer #5
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answered by NHBaritone 7
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This line of reasoning makes as much sense as suggesting that Christians would put humans and all other animals on the same level due to them being all "god's creation".
There are qualifications that bring about the imbalance in moral significance.
Although, some would agree that all organisms are equal... It really depends on the School of thought one has in morality.
2007-03-04 15:31:14
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answer #6
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answered by eigelhorn 4
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I'd feel guilty about killing either. However, evolution has instilled in humans a sense of altruism that was essential to the common survival of primative tribes, and thus any non-sociopathic human being would feel guilty about killing another human being.
2007-03-04 15:31:03
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answer #7
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answered by GVG 4
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Truthfuly, i would feel worse killing a monkey, ive met several people i wanted to kill... never an animal, I don't kill bugs, spiders, or any other creature (at least not intentionally). Animals are a purer form of life, right and wrong exists on an instinctual level, humans seem to just be inately amoral (by naturalistic standards).
2007-03-04 15:26:13
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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Murder is wrong no matter what you think this existence is. Sad to kill anything, but horrible for any creature to murder it's own kind.
2007-03-04 15:26:12
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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Why do religious people assume that Atheists have no morals? Its not true. So stop the baiting.
2007-03-04 15:33:24
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answer #10
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answered by Anonymous
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