We are, by some definition (!), intelligent life. Therefore we can reason about a parallel universe where humanity did not rise to become the dominant species;

We are, by some definition (!), intelligent life. Therefore we can reason about a parallel universe where humanity did not rise to become the dominant species; what the alternatives might be (or have been); and what the implications of that might be. I guess it was sort of an "if a tree falls in the forest does it make a sound" sort of question. I am not a philosopher, so perhaps it was the wrong question, or poorly phrased. But I'm glad it sparked a brief discussion nonetheless.