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>What makes us special is persistent collective learning and abstract communication. No; passing on knowledge isn't quite sufficient. The key difference is our

by dexen 7y ago

>What makes us special is persistent collective learning and abstract communication. No; passing on knowledge isn't quite sufficient. The key difference is our ability to manipulate objects with hands, and our ability to harness external sources of energy, starting with fire. Cetaceans (in particular orcas and dolphins), chimps, crows, they all are known to develop & pass on language, culture, and knowledge like hunting tricks. Cetaceans, and also octopuses have relatively high intelligence. The former live in long-running packs (pods), and pass on their distinct cultures, language dialects, and hunting habits. The later live with little to no contact with their parents, and have to discover everything from grounds up. Both have been around for much longer than humans. Neither have progressed anywhere near close to having a technological civilization, and are on relatively similar level.

tachion 7y ago
I beg to disagree. I can't quote the sources from the top of my head, but the comment about persistent collective learning and communication seems to be the science view on the matter last time I checked. For example, some non-primates animals and some primates can and in fact use tools to various degrees. The energy harness and fire is a consequence of doing/being able to do these things, not the condition.
discreteevent 7y ago
I watched a documentary once that demonstrated how smart chimps are but the main point of it was to demonstrate how they do not pass on much to their offspring. Also it theorised that this is why humans didn't co-opt chimps. You can't communicate with them. A relatively dumb dog is better. i/o is more important than calculation when it comes to getting things done.
- allendoerfer 7y ago
  Humans are amazing teachers. If we see someone fail, we can imagine the specific reasons why and try to overcome them. Other animals like chimps also see the mistakes, but they won‘t adapt, they will just show how it‘s supposed to be done over and over.

by dexen 7y ago

tachion 7y ago

I beg to disagree. I can't quote the sources from the top of my head, but the comment about persistent collective learning and communication seems to be the science view on the matter last time I checked. For example, some non-primates animals and some primates can and in fact use tools to various degrees. The energy harness and fire is a consequence of doing/being able to do these things, not the condition.

discreteevent 7y ago

I watched a documentary once that demonstrated how smart chimps are but the main point of it was to demonstrate how they do not pass on much to their offspring. Also it theorised that this is why humans didn't co-opt chimps. You can't communicate with them. A relatively dumb dog is better. i/o is more important than calculation when it comes to getting things done.

allendoerfer 7y ago
Humans are amazing teachers. If we see someone fail, we can imagine the specific reasons why and try to overcome them. Other animals like chimps also see the mistakes, but they won‘t adapt, they will just show how it‘s supposed to be done over and over.