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" do think that us humans have continuously underestimated the complexity and intelligence of animals... First, we see them as emotionless objects." No premode
by 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.