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I don't know the technical answer to your question but I do think that us humans have continuously underestimated the complexity and intelligence (in the broade
by fleddr 5y ago
I don't know the technical answer to your question but I do think that us humans have continuously underestimated the complexity and intelligence (in the broadest sense) of animals.
First, we see them as emotionless objects. Then we acknowledge that some animals seem quite smart, such as dolphins, dogs, pigs and cows, and of course other primates.
Then we discover that far more animals have complex systems to communicate by language, signs or color, have advanced courtship rituals and actual emotions, such as an elephant mourning.
And still we keep getting it wrong. Recently it was discovered that tiny earth worms, considered some of the "dumbest" and most primitive life forms, show complex behavior and have actual learning ability. For example, they drag leaves into their underground "den" to feed on them and over time learn which way is the correct way to drag the leaf, as the other way would block the den. That's a stunning interaction for such a simple creature.
Because it isn't a simple creature. Nothing is.
- abletonlive 5y agoDefine "we". Because the smartest people I know are the ones most likely to underestimate as you've described and look down upon people that anthropomorphize. Further, it seems to me that the smartest people I know fall prey to reductionism when it comes to the subject of intelligence or philosophy in general.
- nefitty 5y agoIt's convenient to clamp our understanding of reality. If I convince myself that cows are baser creatures, it makes it a lot easier to enjoy this juicy burger made from its child.
- yyyk 5y ago" do think that us humans have continuously underestimated the complexity and intelligence of animals... First, we see them as emotionless objects." No premodern culture thought so. As far as I know, it's only from Descartes on that the opinion you note existed.
- fleddr 5y agoI think a little earlier. Religion, in particular Christianity, is responsible for create a massive conceptual divide between mankind, created in gods' image, and everything else, lower life forms at our disposal. Another pivotal moment would be have to be the invention of agriculture, some 10K years ago. Only from this point on begins the idea of animals as property.