[baudrunner]

There is a general propensity among humans to ascribe to humanity a special nature that transcends that of the animals. We certainly occupy a plateau of sorts in the topology of palaeontology which is shared by almost no other animal. We like to ascribe qualities to being human that are unique. Some propose that human uniqueness eclipses animals such that only humans are self-aware, that animals are guided by something called instinct, whereas humans are guided by intelligent reasoning, which faculty is not shared by animals. Then there are those who say that we, as animals, merely share this world with other animals, that we just happen to be endowed with greater intelligence and a greater potential for achievement. The arguments for the unique human supremacy premise are necessarily biased toward humans, because these claims are all made by humans. It is my considered opinion that were an animal to step forward to present its case, it would claim to be only representative of its kind, and that its arguments would therefore be necessarily biased in favor of its species. Therefore, I say let the case for each animal be taken on its own merit.

Do animals have choice? Most humans would probably assume that they do not. However, evolution has given traits through adaptation. Therefore, over time the animals' choices have allowed each species a monopoly of sorts over their particular environmental niche. Some animals' choices were more limited than others', but such is life. I maintain that it was choice that over time separated the seagull from the crow, the sparrow from the woodpecker, the blue jay from the eagle, etc. Each found a comfortable niche because the choices that they made agreed with their preferences. They fly, alone and unassisted. That is a superior attribute. They have far superior vision to that of humans. Humans can't profess to know how birds think, how they decide, what compels them, much less what they say. They can only make assumptions based on observations of their behaviours. I wonder what a bird's assumptions might be based on their observations of human behaviours? I have never seen a look of stupidity in a bird's eyes. I often wonder what could be their wisdom. Do they know that they are forced toward an ideal manifestation of their type through natural selection and that it follows that this should give them greater intellectual potential as a matter of course? What plateau in the topology of palaeontology do they perceive themselves to occupy? One thing is for certain: in the lives of the wild, there can be no adulteration of their way, lest they lose it to some poignant lesson and learn it too late, the hard way. That is one reason that a bird's brain is smaller, the elimination of needless complexity. But this in no way precludes their ability to think enough to have free will. They demonstrate that every moment of their lives. Therefore we can only conclude that they can think, that they are self-aware, that they can make decisions based on choice, that they can communicate, and so on, within the framework of their place in the cosmic scheme of things.

[mkirkpatrick]

Mankind seems to have an inbuilt arrogance that assumes they know best. In a test of endurance and survival, a common rat, would leave man standing, in adaptive behaviour, as regards intelligence, there are many animals that would leave man in the kindergarten. I am amazed as to how birds in particular navigate the globe, we have a pair of swallows that come to our house each year from Africa, I recognize on of them by a white birthmark on its tail, what a wonderful feat of navigation, more than I could ever do without help.

Kindest regards, Michael.

[Guille]

Baud,
I find very interesting your deductions. But in principle, from the start, for me it's all about the opposite from what you do. It's not about asking whether animals can decide, is about asking whether we, humans, can decide. Maybe we can prove that animals don't decide but that doesn't imply necessarily that we can.

[subversion]

In my opinion, it is true that humans are pretty much just like any other animals, but on the other hand we are completely different, in the role that we are made to perform for nature. We represent that biological adaptive strategy which is ultimately striving to discover and utilize that paramount natural achievement, the theory of everything, and this goal, which we have been approaching since our divergence and emergence as human beings, is the overriding and most crucial aspect which sets us apart in the animal kingdom. Our extreme and unique curiosity about the natural world means we aspire to be gods in a sense, which is our "divine self-inspiration," that drives us to be more powerful than any other animal in terrestrial existence. This will cause us to be the prime natural overseers of everything, indefinitely, eventually.

It is true, we have grown feeble in some respects evolutionarily, but this is always offset by our intelligence. Our skin leaves us cold with no clothing; our nails leave us unprotected when faced with the fierce claws of a bear, etc. etc. But in replace of these deficits we have instated technology, which gives us a decided advantage: our clothing made of the bear's own fur, or better, and weaponry which make the bear's once formidable claws pale in comparison. As such, an integral part of our adaptive strategy which sets us apart is that we have taken evolution to a new height, that of technological development. Our development of technology should still be viewed as evolution because it represents one closer step towards attaining that paramount achievement of natural progression which will render a creature wholly supreme and all-powerful in the natural world, the theory of everything. Thus we sacrifice certain morphologies to gain others which are more powerful.

Humans, begotten of DNA and cellular origins, are in many ways just like the rest of the natural kingdom, but yet our ability to discover the theory of everything will make us a new kind of order with a powerful new position and an utmost natural responsibility. Thus we await a great challenge, a great opportunity, and a great chance for change. Will our inability to recognize and admit that we are the essential, potential; masters of the universe cause us to be negligent in our position, poor overseers of the world which we have mastered, and otherwise unwise utilizers of power? Or can we embrace and hold sacred our forthcoming position as supreme entities, and use it wisely and of righteous accord, such that we see to the welfare of all things?

One thing is for certain, there is at least a small difference between us and say birds. We have a larger responsibility in the scope of the universe, and it is our adaptive strategy which gives us this. That is why humility with respect to our place in nature should not blind us from the pride it takes to be fearless and righteous natural leaders. Similarly, our pride will never revoke our humble makeup as animals, which we will always retain and which gives us the benevolence to consider everything with reverence and appreciation for the natural wonder of the universe which our duty is to uphold. In conclusion, we are animals, but we have a very special job as far as animals go. This is what I will call the human's stake. For us, it truly is a unique position in life, which we would do much to acknowledge and truly and fully appreciate the responsibility of which beyond all possible measure.

Honestly,
-SubVersion

[baudrunner]

Thank you all.

[Marko]

Hi all!

What about the plants?
To me, they are all equally important.
Fact is that we share the same matter/energy, and origins with the animals and plants, well if we go to the extreme with every particle in the universe.
But in my opinion, by accidents and complete randomness, only humans are self aware. This does not mean that animals and plants are not important, or that someone should treat them badly! I strongly oppose to the people that are underestimating other living beings, torture them... it make me sick!
But exactly because of our self awareness, we should find the way for peaceful and solicitous relationship with the other living beings and with our environment.
Regards