Can we consider ourselves animals?

Question

I believe it was Aristotle who said that reason is the only thing that separates humans from animals; therefore we should achieve things that go beyond what animals can achieve, but still animals none the less. Yet I hear many people saying that we are not animals at all. While I do believe that we are different from most animals, as far as our basic natural instincts go we are animals. Obviously, there are some people who are going to agree with me and some who won't, but what is your view on this?

Answer 1

We share 99% of our genes with chimps and 98% with apes--we are animals. We are animals that can reason. FYI: chimps have wars, too (see http://www.lessonsforhope.org/abc/show_description.asp?abc_id=47 ).

Everyday scientists are finding that other animals are smarter than we realized. There was a time, for instance, when people who wished to deny that we are animals stated that since we use tools, that distinguishes from animals: that was, until chimps were observed to use tools.

Answer 2

Biologically we are just animals, and often not very far removed from the four-footed kind. It used to be said that the differences were reason, the ability to make and use tools, and the ability to communicate, but animals have been shown to be able to do all of those things. About the only distinction left that separates us from other animals (if you are a spiritual or religious person) is a belief in God or the belief that humans have a soul.

However, sometimes I even wonder about that. There seem to be so many godless and/or souless people these days it's frightening. On the other hand, I have known some animals that had more goodness and love in their hearts than a whole lot of people I know. I think I'd almost rather be considered an animal, 'cause they spend a lot less time murdering, cheating, stealing, etc. than our "enlightened" selves.

Answer 3

Scientifically, we are animals in every way and fit into the mammals category. However, calling a human an animal is a complete insult as we are superior to all other animals... well, we're supposed to be at least. I don't completely agree with Aristotle as other animals, besides humans, also use reasoning... just not to the extent we do.

Answer 4

We are all animals. It's true that reason is the only thing that separates us from animals. However this 'reason' that we are talking about is a human reason. Who knows animals have reason too, but through their ways and they find that what separates them from other animals including us is their 'reason'. I just find that human think that they are so great when actually we are all the same like the animals.

Answer 5

It may be true that some animals have the ability to reason, it's nowhere near to the extent of human reasoning. We have the ability of language, verbal and written, we understand cultures and can interpret symbols. Humans do have animal instincts, but we can also surpass them. For example, no other animal can decide to skip a meal in order to lose some weight. So, we may be animals in that we are classified as mammals, but ion all other aspects, we are different.

Answer 6

The more we study animals the more we find fewer difference between humans and animals. We are learning more and more that animals have to ability to reason, make tools and plan for their future. All of these traits are what is supposed to have made us different.

Answer 7

Everything on this earth is either animal, vegetable, or mineral. Humans are animal. Breaking it down more - - we are mammals . Of the mammal family, we are primates.
One of the great Greek philosophers once said, " We are not much different than the other animals, nor are we superior to them ".

Answer 8

oh hell yes! were talking monkeys with math.we try to deceive ourselves with ideas like philosophy, and other intangibles that will hopefully convince us that we are more than the man-apes we've descended from.we try to wish our animistic psyches away, and that's where the problems start.unfulfilled wishes, the fight or flight response isn't as clear cut as it once was, leaving many stresses and stressors mostly unresolved.i do believe in time we as a species will over come our animal thought foibles, but it will take a while.

Answer 9

Humans are animals. When we don't have flesh and bones and doesn't need to eat, breathe and excreate only then we can truely agree we are not an animal.

Answer 10

Yes, we are animals in the same way other living creatures (non-plant) are animals. Our brains are just more developed than other animals' brains.