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Originally Posted by Af-Freakin
humans r more caring lovin & brave than animals. people r more important than animals. of course Rev. Rick Warren thinks dogs do go 2 heaven. he didnt mention anything bout cats. i think people often attribute human qualities 2 animals which dont exist in the animals. i think ur human-centric bias iz discriminatory 2 animals. r u from europe?
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well, i think it`s all based on values and world views, and a matter of cultural philosophy and cultural belief-systems of which life is "worth" more or less. I assume that there are no "objective" measurements and definitive thoughtpatterns or Meta-philosophies that stand above the cultural bias, so is the view that animals are worth less, are worth more, are even considered to be of a different value. So is the philosophy of what animals are allowed to be eaten or how they shall be killed. I think, and studies have shown, too, that -once an animal developed a limbic system, they ARE indeed capable of emotions , empathy and care same or similar to humans. I think any bias in whatever direction is bad. I might add that animals per se are not capable of doing evil with pure will and consideration. Of course, one might add that animals act more "instinctively" than humans, but - hm - ethical consideration of so called "premeditation" and will to do harm might make humans - at some point - sometimes worse. Because we can CHOOSE to be different. Animals at some level or some point can`t.
I personally do not believe that humans are more importsnt than animals. But, of course , since we are humans and not animals, always someone tends to be biased to prefer his own "species". The question is, why would anyone regard humans as "more important". More important for what part of the universe? ANd why? I don`t see any difference. The world would not stop turning if no humans were on the planet. So , i don`t think it makes any difference. There are several books and stuies on animal consciousness, and - to put it blunt - many of them say as consensus that you cannot know what goes on in another brain except from your own point of view - which contributes to your point of the "humanizing" interpretation of animal behaviour as well, in which I am totally with you and agree.
But OTOH, all "animals" with limbic system and empathy might act similar in situations of pain , love and loss - like we do. It`s not such a wide step to assume that brains with similar functionability do indeed give similar output or perspectives.
ANd I think - videos like this show to us that we cannot say that "we" are so much above in the hierarchy. Of course you have been right to add that my question is biased.. True and good point.
I am from Europe, indeed, and I do read Schopenhauer, too (That was an inside joke - Schopenhauer was known for his preference for animals over humans - specially dogs - he wrote something I cannot find in english, unfortunately
about how the loyalty of dogs will stay with you in storm and flood and the loyalty of humans will end as soon as a light breeze comes.
Sure, heavily biased. But a point indeed ;-).
The saddest thing on earth...true love :-(
