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Are humans really just animals?

Reverend Rick

Reverend Rick

Frubal Whore
Premium Member
Are humans really just animals?

If so, animals evolve into the smartest, fastest, self sufficient breed they can be. If evolution allows them to become better by the use of survival of the fittest, is mankind becoming better or worse by circumventing this basic principle, (survival of the fittest).

In short, is mankind getting better or just surviving by allowing us to only be as good as the least common denominator?

Will other animals close the gap between them and humans if humans do not evolve as quickly?
 
McBell

McBell

Unbound
Reverend Rick said:
Are humans really just animals?
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Yes.
Some more so than others.

Reverend Rick said:
If so, animals evolve into the smartest, fastest, self sufficient breed they can be.
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Where did you get this notion from?
Animals evolve to better survive their environment.
You talk as though you think that evolution has some sort of goal or direction.

Reverend Rick said:
If evolution allows them to become better by the use of survival of the fittest, is mankind becoming better or worse by circumventing this basic principle, (survival of the fittest).
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What do you mean by better?
Evolution is about change in a species.
The only 'better' is the ability to more easily survive the environment said species is currently in.

Reverend Rick said:
In short, is mankind getting better or just surviving by allowing us to only be as good as the least common denominator?
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Again, define "better"

Reverend Rick said:
Will other animals close the gap between them and humans if humans do not evolve as quickly?
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Perhaps.
But I worry more about another animal thinking that they are so special that they own the earth.
 
Caladan

Caladan

Agnostic Pantheist
Reverend Rick said:
Paul, I did not say we where not animals, I just asked.

So, are we allowing our breed to naturally become better or circumventing evolution?
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Evolution is about adaptation not about progress. species become more suited for their environment, a biological change due to evolution that has worked through certain ages may not work in others.
 
Aquitaine

Aquitaine

Well-Known Member
Reverend Rick said:
Paul, I did not say we where not animals, I just asked.
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Reverend Rick said:

So, are we allowing our breed to naturally become better or circumventing evolution?
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Sorry, I wasn't implying that you said we were animals, I was just saying that the idea that we're somehow not animals is arrogant. As for our evolution, well physical evolution takes ages, but in terms of psycholigcal "evolution" I'd say it just depends on what kind of country you are born in. Some nations get wealthy and powerfull, some get poor and weak, it's constantly changing - so I wouldn't say as an entire species we're going in x direction, but instead that in certain parts of the world, Human development is sort of a stalemate.
 
Reverend Rick

Reverend Rick

Frubal Whore
Premium Member
Mestemia said:
What do you mean by better?
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Well, I would like to think mankind one day could evolve into a society where our needs could be met with little or no effort on anyone's part.

Robotics, solar power and other technologies might enhance this ideal.

Would it not be cool to grow your own food and heat your own home without even being on the power grid?

To not have to work where you could maintain your lifestyle without ever having to leave your home. To be the master of your own time and what you do each day.
 
sandandfoam

sandandfoam

Veteran Member
:danana::camp::camp:

Oh yeah :D
We've got our hooks into you. Before you know it your friends will denounce you as the left wing, hippy, socialist type I always knew you were.

I'm with you Rick. Free me from the oppression of capitalsim!!





Reverend Rick said:
Well, I would like to think mankind one day could evolve into a society where our needs could be met with little or no effort on anyone's part.

Robotics, solar power and other technologies might enhance this ideal.

Would it not be cool to grow your own food and heat your own home without even being on the power grid?

To not have to work where you could maintain your lifestyle without ever having to leave your home. To be the master of your own time and what you do each day.
Click to expand...
 
YmirGF

YmirGF

Bodhisattva in Recovery
I look at the "animal" kingdom and rather than thinking myself superior or a breed apart, I revel in the knowledge that I am just another aspect of the diversity of that "kingdom".

Yes, humans are an animal that has reasoned itself a few steps beyond their inherent pay-grade.
 
Dunemeister

Dunemeister

Well-Known Member
Politesse said:
"Just"? What's wrong with being an animal? Animals are great.
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There's also the question whether we really are "just" (as in "solely") animals or whether there's something substantially different about being human. What makes us different may not be something biological. Hence we could be animals but in some essential respect(s) not like all the others.
 
Politesse

Politesse

Amor Vincit Omnia
I think all animals have their unique aspects and strengths, actually, ourselves included. We are certainly masters of adaptation and certain kinds of thinking, and that is certainly something to be proud of. We are also the only religious creatures as far as I know, but I suppose opinions may vary on whether that is a good thing. I would say so.
 
Shadow Wolf

Shadow Wolf

Certified People sTabber & Business Owner
Spoiler Tag: Some language may be offensive. Hell the whole thing is offensive, click at your own risk of being offended.
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I think just hearing the chant of his name alone is enough to start making your IQ start sliding down, that way your brain is ready when the show starts and your IQ plummets.
 
LuisDantas

LuisDantas

Aura of atheification
Premium Member
Reverend Rick said:
Are humans really just animals?
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Yes. Ultimately, our only significant diferential is a certain degree of mastery of language and abstract concepts.

If so, animals evolve into the smartest, fastest, self sufficient breed they can be. If evolution allows them to become better by the use of survival of the fittest, is mankind becoming better or worse by circumventing this basic principle, (survival of the fittest).
Click to expand...

It really depends on how what you consider desirable. A bigger, generally safer population? A higher education standard for the average citizen? Higher acomplishments from the most exceptional people? Something else entirely?

In short, is mankind getting better or just surviving by allowing us to only be as good as the least common denominator?
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That is a very good question. I'm not sure we are really being the Least Common Denominator, either. It may be true in the biological sense, but language and society made us capable of transcending biology in many significant senses.

Will other animals close the gap between them and humans if humans do not evolve as quickly?
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Why, of course. I fully expect other animals to reach and surpass us eventually.
 
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