2007-06-06 14:51:12 · 14 answers · asked by scluby2k 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
I would argue that they must because of the presence of mirror neurons in most mammals (a neural system responsible for empathy, social and physical skill learning, and ,in humans, language acquisition.) Not to mention the "altruistic" part of the brain is an old part of the brain.
The biggest reason why there is even still controversy over animal emotions is because Christianity says they have no souls, and Descartes took it one step further saying that if they have no soul, they have no "self" that experiences pain, emotion, etc. making them little more then robots in his (and science at the time's) mind. More and more we are learning that that is simply not true, with examples of play, sex for pleasure, and laughter in all mammals (probably, not all have been tested yet).
2007-06-06 15:18:52 · answer #1 · answered by neuralzen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
since we can communicate with each other and verbalize our actions and feelings, our moans and groans, we're know to express compassion. looking at animals, we don't have this luxury since we are removed and their is no communication link to let is know what they feel, if anything. if they do express something, we as observers can only attribute it to what we have already seen and lumped everything else as being "instinctual". that is if you look at animals as being a lower life form and humans being superior in every internalized action.
dolphins, elephants, killer whales, house hold pets, are some that show what some call compassion. i would say that these animals do express and internalize loses or victories in and outwardly to build assurance in themselves that this plan worked so they must do it again, or to motivate others to keep.
there was a clip that i saw on discovery news of killer whales teaching young ones how to target, hunt, and toss sea lions. letting each take turns tossing the animal around. though that may seem cold and animalistic, what was remarkable was that they did not kill the sea lion, and after they were done, just left. sure it was probably very shook up and injured, but that fact that those mammoth beast left the animal alive shows to me at least that they are somewhat compassionate.
2007-06-06 16:47:58 · answer #2 · answered by Flabbergasted 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
of direction. we are all animals. basically because of the fact an animal isn't as notably greater as people, would not have the opposable thumbs concern going on and would not cry with tears does no longer mean they don't have the comparable rudimentary thoughts that we do. I hate to get all anecdotal on all persons, yet all persons who has even seen a dogs's eyes full of love or a cat who will convenience you once you're disillusioned is acquainted with this huge-unfold certainty. we've all seen the video clips of an ape crying over the dying of one of their very own. To me, that shows an awareness of what could be, so compassion can not be a a techniques cry from that. Matthew, I appreciate your opinion, besides the fact that it incredibly is not a human high quality - it incredibly is an animal high quality.
2016-11-26 21:15:00 · answer #3 · answered by waltman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Humans are said to be the only animal that can feel compassion, and that lower life forms' appearance of having compassion is merely instinctual.
2007-06-06 16:01:22 · answer #4 · answered by charliecizarny 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think they can. i have 2 cats and unless i'm misinterpreting they definitely do. if i feed one and the other is not in the room they will only eat half and leave the rest. one time one of them stepped in a bucket with motor oil in it and while i was giving him a bath the other one sat on the toilet and watched and waited like she wanted to see if he was ok. than when i was done she gave him a kitty bath. so yes i think they demonstrate compassion.
2007-06-06 15:08:59 · answer #5 · answered by amanda c 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they can. I also happen to think that humans could learn from our pets and animals. We see so much about what wildlife does to exist but we only hear of animal mothers offering to feed other baby animals from other species.
2007-06-06 15:01:02 · answer #6 · answered by Merilee L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This depends on what you understand by compassion but certainly a mother usually shows it for her offspring.
2007-06-06 15:09:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. If you let a sow nurse a tiger cub, or put a puppy in the company of a kitten, they'll all grow to get along.
2007-06-07 07:06:15 · answer #8 · answered by Saffren 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With recognition, but that is the limit of their sharing historical language, the basis of compassion.
2007-06-06 15:04:10 · answer #9 · answered by Psyengine 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you consider that humans are animals, then yes. If you don't consider humans as animals, I cannot know since I am not an animal...
2007-06-06 14:56:51 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋