What do you think separates humans from other animals?

[AngloDoom]

I'm pretty much going for language and the whole 'asking why' thing.

Humans at some point started asking 'why does this do this?', figured it out, and when their kids asked 'why does this do this?' too, there was an answer. That child had no need to spend its life looking for the answers to that question; it had already been done for it. Instead, it moved onto the next question, which is answered, and then passed on to it's own child.

Not that I've got pockets full of science to back me up on this, but I think that's pretty much how my niece can access and browse the pictures in anyone's iPad at age two and I could barely put my own clothes on without a mental breakdown.

 

[Kron_the_mad wants to be deleted]

i think it's probably the delusions of grandure and the assumed self entitlement just because of our species.... although cats also share this trait with us, they're not animals though just haughty bastards.

 

[Filiecs]

Free will. To an animal, instinct overrides any form of thought that they might have. They are slaves to natural selectiion and their only purpose in life is to reproduce.
In humans, we don't need to follow our instincts and, as such, don't need to reproduce to have a purpose in life. Instead, we can be creative and achieve our dreams.

This is also why animals don't have natural rights but humans do.

 

[Caverat]

I find it irritating when people discuss animals, the differences/similarities of humans/animals, and morality. Morality is an entirely human concept, it applies solely to humans, or other sentience. When there is proof of animals being capable of the same kind of reasoning as humans, or they begin taking part in philosophical debates like this, I'll acknowledge another species as sentient. Until there is such evidence, I will not. Humans are the only sentient life that we know of in reality.

That makes us special(beyond the simple sense-making of wishing to preserve/promote one's own species), and while it is a shame when any species goes extinct, or any organism experiences pain, if it benefits humanity it is for the best.

We need to eat, so we have subjugated several species, both plant and animal, for the purpose of consumption. This is progress. It's nice to say all life is equal, naive, but nice.

Cats and dogs will eat the corpses of their owners 10 times out of 10 should the owner die, and they have no food source easier to access. Living things have to eat living things to survive, a plant is no less alive than an animal, it just isn't cute, or capable of screaming when in pain. Hence I always find it confusing when vegetarians cite moral reasons for not eating animals, yet still be all over eating other living organisms. But of course, everything needs to eat, it'd be silly (and suicidal) to promote a lifestyle of not eating anything. Again, it just annoys me when people are so blatantly inconsistent/hypocritical, and don a cloak of morality to cover their stench of smugness. And being a complete twat. Don't like the idea of eating an organism that can express pain, fine, it's a personal dietary choice, morality doesn't need enter it.

Humans and every predator with a mammalian brain hunt for sport, kill for pleasure. Chimps have even been documented killing a social rival to gain status in the group. Granted, they are closer to humans than most animals, but it is seen in many other genus. (Species of Canine, Feline.)

I agree that every trait humans possess can be seen in other organisms, this is to be expected as every subject for study has evolved on the same planet, even if in a slightly different environment.

Humans are the first among all others.

Adore the Immortal Emperor
For He is our Protector
Admire the Immortal Emperor
For His Sacrifice to Mankind
Exalt the Immortal Emperor
For His Strict Guidance
Revere the Immortal Emperor
For His Undying Guard
Venerate the Immortal Emperor
For His Holy Wisdom
Honour the Immortal Emperor
For His Eternal Strength
Glorify the Immortal Emperor
For His All-seeing Vision
Praise the Immortal Emperor
For His Enduring Rule
Hail the Immortal Emperor
For He is the Lord and Master
Worship the Immortal Emperor
For without him we are nothing.

 

[chadachada123]

Solely a different evolutionary path.

We excel in some areas mentally, while other animals absolutely dominate us in other areas. We're not special, just lucky enough to have been born top-tier. Hell yeah.

 

[kittii-chan 300]

I feel less bad drinking a humans blood than say, a cat's? Humans wash a little more regularly and therefore are preferable to eat.

OT: Now I'm no biologist but I believe human's are the only creatures on the earth that have a trade currency? Only real difference I can see...

 

[chadachada123]

Humans haven't really "fixed" diseases, now have we? We have developed methods to make us more likely to survive, but can you say all those methods have a 100% success rate? No. The common cold still rampages untamed. And hell, its only when humans started "fixing" diseases, even worse problems arose. Cancer for instant. All of our great technology and advancements has only led to an increase to cancer.

And humans do far worse than attempt to "fix" diseases, they create more deadlier versions. There was an article posted on the forum recently of a lab crossing a deadly flu with the common cold. Now if humans are so smart and great as people here claim...why are they engineering ways to make their species go extinct?

EDIT: oh yeah, Merry Christmas and Happy New Years.

We have completely eradicated smallpox from the world. There is no more smallpox anywhere on earth except for some lab samples. We've extended the survability of young people such that the majority of people will actually live to have children.

I'd say that our work in medicine and surgery and such has done far more good than harm. Are there risks? Yep, but that's the cost of progress.

(You could say that the extension of life expectancy is bad for our population problem, but that's the fault of shitty legislation and social stuff, not science, science is innocent here).

 

[Chairman Miaow]

Hence I always find it confusing when vegetarians cite moral reasons for not eating animals, yet still be all over eating other living organisms.

For me at least, the problem with eating other animals is to do with the fact that they suffer, they feel pain, plants don't. They are intelligent, plants aren't. I actually do eat meat, because it's perfectly natural, i'm just saying it's really not hypocritical.

 

[chadachada123]

I feel less bad drinking a humans blood than say, a cat's? Humans wash a little more regularly and therefore are preferable to eat.

OT: Now I'm no biologist but I believe human's are the only creatures on the earth that have a trade currency? Only real difference I can see...

*Ahem* [link]http://www.diggersrealm.com/mt/archives/001105.html[/link]

 

[kittii-chan 300]

I feel less bad drinking a humans blood than say, a cat's? Humans wash a little more regularly and therefore are preferable to eat.

OT: Now I'm no biologist but I believe human's are the only creatures on the earth that have a trade currency? Only real difference I can see...

*Ahem* [link]http://www.diggersrealm.com/mt/archives/001105.html[/link]

Fair enough, there is absolutely no difference between humans and animals so we may as well just get rid of all these pathetic labels and call everything "an animal".

Off Topic: Humans are easier to pin down than other animals. Another reason why their blood is preferable~

 

[monkey_man]

Speech and having finally created the power to destroy the Earth. Also, the ability to realize our impact on the world, our ability to influence the world beyond merely building crude scrapped nests in trees.
If Mankind wanted to paint the Earth red with black dots, we could. All we do is not simply a matter of CAN anymore, It is a matter of WANT. If Man wanted to fly into outer space (beyond our solar system) with people on board of that rocketship, And if we were not complete idiots, we would have taken over most of space. Also, the ability to create intelligence which surpasses our own. Getting beaten by machines, at chess for example, or writing books.
Mankind can do everything it sets its mind to, and currently that is "having a stupid argument whether or not some magical bearded Man exists in the skies". But that is another thread.

 

[Caverat]

Hence I always find it confusing when vegetarians cite moral reasons for not eating animals, yet still be all over eating other living organisms.

For me at least, the problem with eating other animals is to do with the fact that they suffer, they feel pain, plants don't. They are intelligent, plants aren't. I actually do eat meat, because it's perfectly natural, i'm just saying it's really not hypocritical.

Plants have nervous systems, they are just unable to express their pain in ways we can normally perceive, as they are a different kingdom of organism.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plant_neurobiology

 

[Chairman Miaow]

Hence I always find it confusing when vegetarians cite moral reasons for not eating animals, yet still be all over eating other living organisms.

For me at least, the problem with eating other animals is to do with the fact that they suffer, they feel pain, plants don't. They are intelligent, plants aren't. I actually do eat meat, because it's perfectly natural, i'm just saying it's really not hypocritical.

Plants have nervous systems, they are just unable to express their pain in ways we can normally perceive, as they are a different kingdom of organism.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plant_neurobiology

In that very same link : "the vast majority of the plant science research community reject plant neurobiology"

 

[Wushu Panda]

You too. There is no such thing as "ABDUCTIVE REASONING", mostly because "abductive" is not a word. Perhaps you meant "deductive" reasoning?

No, I meant abductive reasoning, look it up. Deductive reasoning is to extrapolate from previous experiences, that's exactly what i DIDN'T mean.

Using a stick you pick up off the ground to complete a task is called an implement. Many animals have demonstrated the ability to use implements, and is in fact the first step into creating tools. It took humans tens of thousands of years of playing with rocks to doing anything else. So why don't you stop acting like you're brilliant when I'm willing to bet you wouldn't even be able to make your own stone tools, should all contemporary technology be rendered inoperable.

That's funny because I actually can sculpt things. Way to throw away a chance to be quiet.

Also, animals do in fact have hierarchy. Same as humans. A leader is always elected for the group. In other animals it tends to be an Alpha Male, one that has in someway shown itself as the most able to lead others. You still see this in humans. Bullies in schoolyards, leaders of gangs, kings, and even politics. Why do you think its referred to as a "political race". Each candidate is competing for the leadership of the group.

Way to miss the point. I specifically said "the ability to CHANGE their hierarchic structure", which is the difference between instinct and choice. Don't pick and choose words from me and twist what I said.

Ask for "asking themselves why". Why not share with us some of your philosophical thoughts on the workings of the universe? And explain just how you're so sure that other animals have in deed not been able to think. Have you personally watched every second of animal behavior on Earth? How do you know other animals haven't thought "why" and then answered to themselves "ignorance is bliss. perhaps I will live harmoniously with nature in health instead of poisoning my environment with waste and by-products."

A bit exaggerated, yes. But still, you have no proof that indicates one way or another that some other species of animal have not had moments of self-awareness. Do you label non-sociable children as not showing signs of self-awareness? No, you label them self-aware simply because they're human. Just as you label other animals not self-aware because they are NOT human.

The burden of proof is on you, you idiot. Can you actually prove that animals can show signs of self-awareness and reasoning? Because researchers haven't find any that's not pre-programmed behaviour.

I really don't care if you're bitter with humanity or something, that's your problem. To deny that people are actually a level above animals due to, you know, DOMINATING the earth and MONOPOLIZING everything, is something that only the most rabid, irrational PETA-drones are capable of doing.

Honestly thought I did look it up thoroughly enough. Honest mistake, suppose I was drunk at the time. dictionary.com hadn't recognized the word "abductive" and spell check attempts to correct it as "deductive".

Just because you can sculpt doesn't mean you're any good at flintknapping. You aren't using precise metal instruments to carve anything. You're only working with raw materials and banging rocks together until you're left with an egged lithic tool. Sometimes using antler. Besides, how do you know what humans thought when they first created tools? Do you really think they just pulled out of their asses "conclave shapes in stone". They used other implements for a long time before they started using stones. They friggin used gourds first.

You specifically said "they can't change or decide consciously a hierarchy between them". Which they can. It isn't instinct, when an animal is born they are taught social behavior in the group by older members. They learn who possess the power in the group and the rank which they have within that system. Animals which have hierarchy can choose to go after power. Humans, dogs, gorillas etc. That's making a choice.

The non-human animal must recognize or have some belief that their strength is greater than the current leader, they make a conscious decision to challenge the present leader and attempt to defeat them for the right to lead the pack. Because they want the perks of the job.

Actually this study begins to prove that elephants are self-aware (see link). Later writings by the same author follows up with that chimps and dolphins have also passed tests of self-aware. So yes, there is proof. http://www.animalintelligence.org/2006/10/31/elephants-are-self-aware/

 

[Mau95]

Why am i better than an animal? Different?

we are the one with the best chances to keep this planet non-nuked-from-space

Exactly why are we the best chance? What do you think would have been the odds of the Earth being at risk of getting nuked from space if humans had not placed the nukes there in the first place? Since you don't think animals could ever do this, I assume the odds would be zero. Because no other animal on earth is stupid enough to destroy their own species and habitat for the next several million plus years.

I think he means against aliens.

This isn't an alien topic but ok. If aliens did appear in our orbit, and rained downed nukes from above...we would die. Humans dont have anything that could shoot nuclear missiles out of the sky. Even if they could, they would be detonating nuclear missiles in the sky. Its a lose/lose situation. We either get nuked dieing fast, or rain radioactive material upon us killing us slowly.

Here is a likely conversation:
Alien 1 "Oh look. We seem to have found a Class E planet."
Alien 2 "I LOVE CLASS E PLANETS! The inhabitants are so interesting and the scenery is so beautiful. Where do the scanners suggest a landing point?"
Alien 1 "No where. My scanners indicate massive amounts of radiation pockets in several locations and even more areas contaminated with a rainbow of toxins."
Alien 2 "What could have happened?"
Alien 1 "Scans show all the material isn't natural. Material level is indicative of artificial creation...they did this to themselves."
Alien 2 "What kind of terrible life forms would poison their own planet? Nuke it, they don't deserve to have interstellar travel and alien orgies."

There's not that much radiation, I'm sure they'd be able to land somewhere. I'm sure the octopi and elephants would have a better chance of defending themselves from the nukes?

 

[floppylobster]

The ability to correctly post polls on the escapist and get them to work.

 

[Simeon Ivanov]

We can't lick our own balls.

At least it separates us from dogs.

 

[satanslawer123]

that other animals though primitive are a hell of a lot smarter than we are. they've learnt to adapt to there environment, they learned the dangers and learned to adapt to keep away from those dangers till they have to face them, whereas humans see a danger and think the only way to live is go in all guns blazing and destroying it till there's nothing left. destroy natural habitats just to make concrete jungles. we pollute the planet killing it and we just cant leave stuff how it is always trying to one up it and in the end with all our greed we will end up killing ourselves and the planet

 

[Reishadowen]

What do you think separates humans from other animals?

Complete (or near complete) domination of the environment around us to suit our needs, to a far greater degree than any monkey with a twig can preform. Yes, animals might be able to dig a little hole using stick, or know how to throw rocks at something they want to kill, but they don't know how to craft tools to accomplish more complex functions. Humankind has fuggin spaceships and medicine that can either wide-spread cure a million people or poisen them to a slow death. It isn't just a small intelligence gap, it's a MASSIVE intelligence gap that would dwarf the grand-fricken-canyon.

This is of course, ignoring all the physiology issues (which I am hardly a qualified expert on), and communication-related issues, because for all we know, they could be talking shakespear on a day-to-day basis and we can't understand a word of "SQUAAAAWWK!!.

 

[Soods]

Our species holds the world record on various things, such as: the largest mass extinction on planet Earth, the greatest building built on planet Earth and many others.
No other species has done that well, on this planet.

But no, there is no "big" difference between homo sapiens and other species.