What Makes Humans Different From Animals Philosophy

What Sets Apart Humans from Other Animals

The Rational Animal

The traditional view of humans has been that we are rational animals. This view holds that our ability to reason sets us apart from other animals. However, in recent years, this view has been challenged by a growing number of philosophers.

The Challenge to Rationality

The challenge to the view that humans are rational animals comes from two main sources. First, there is the empirical evidence that humans are not always rational. We often make decisions based on emotion, prejudice, or habit. Second, there is the philosophical argument that even if humans were always rational, this would not necessarily set us apart from other animals.

For example, some animals are capable of solving complex problems and making sophisticated decisions. This suggests that rationality is not a uniquely human trait.

The Alternative View

In light of these challenges, some philosophers have argued that we need to adopt a different view of what sets humans apart from other animals. This alternative view holds that the relevant difference is not rationality but something else.

One possibility is that the relevant difference is our ability to use language. Language allows us to communicate complex ideas, collaborate with others, and pass on knowledge from generation to generation. This ability has played a major role in our evolution and has allowed us to achieve things that no other animal has been able to.

Another possibility is that the relevant difference is our ability to create and use culture. Culture includes our art, music, literature, and technology. It is a product of our collective creativity and has helped us to adapt to a wide range of environments.

Conclusion

The question of what sets humans apart from other animals is a complex one. The traditional view that we are rational animals has been challenged, and there is no clear consensus on what the alternative view should be. However, the debate over this question has shed light on our own nature and has helped us to appreciate the diversity of the animal kingdom.