Human/Non-Human Animals

I suppose the largest difference between we humans and the animals would be the lack of animals technology, and I use that term firmly. Humans have progressed steadily in the fields of science and technology, which  ultimately increases our abilities to communicate. An animal in North America cannot contact an animal in South Africa.

Additionally, as humans, we typically tend to move away from nature while establishing new homes; whereas animals depend on their natural environment to find food and shelter. This being a result of our advanced level of thought.

Human/Nonhuman Animals

According to John Lloyd, Senior Research Ecologist at Ecostudies Institute, there are currently about two million species that have been given an official name living on Earth today and the number of those that have yet to acquire names is higher yet. Majority of the amount of species mentioned consists of invertebrates, animals that lack a backbone; however, there are still roughly around fifty thousand of named vertebrates in existence. If looking at one vertebrae group specifically, the mammalian group for example, it is interesting to find that there are many classifications within classifications to go through to come even close to fully understanding the anatomy of a specific being. Among mammalian classifications, we are able to find birds, dogs, bears, cats, apes, and humans. So what is it exactly that distinguishes humans, the only surviving species of the homo genus, from the rest of the animal kingdom? It wouldn’t be completely inadequate to assume that it is indeed the ability to reason which puts human animals ahead of the nonhuman animals.

Human animals have a highly complex brain that has the ability to rationalize specific situations and act accordingly to influence the outcome of it. Even though nonhuman animal’s anatomy can be very similar to that of a human animal’s, like that of a chimpanzee, it is indeed the intellect that draws the fine line between the two and separates, according to Tom Reagan, the moral patient from the moral agent. The ability to ponder, reason, solve, invent, and thrive intellectually are the dominating factors distinguishing one group from the other.

human/Nonhuman Animals

What separates man from beast? Like this question and many more, there is no black and white answer. In a plethora of cases, where various human actions are performed, we can see some of the most primal, instinctual movements and actions, either towards another human or object, either right or wrong. For instance, while watching the news on any given day, one can witness countless examples of grievous crimes towards man. However, conversely in the professional sports world there are athletes, whose physical ability is comparable to that of some of the strongest and most agile animals. Likewise, while observing the animal kingdom, whether it is from your living room or in person, you can peer into the lives of animals reacting and adapting to environmental factors and threats in an almost human way. The curiosity of lizards, dogs, cats, and more can be very much like that of a small child. The way birds and squirrels build nests, and how lions and bears inhabit dens to keep shelter for their young is a natural instinct that can be found in animals and humans alike. HA and NHA while very different are very much similar. So what separates us? Many will make the argument that because animals cannot speak in any sort of tongue, they are not intelligent. But that like almost every argument is a matter of opinion. When it comes to the very core of the question, it reduces to a matter of moral. Should animals be treated as so? I believe to an extent yes. Should they be tortured or murdered for no reason? It would be inhuman to do so. With that in mind I believe that the use of animals for resource is necessary, mostly for the use of food, or if in the environment for clothing and other tools. I believe all of this to be true because we are separate species, humans being the more advanced. Our advancement in intelligence and perception of thought is what distinguishes HA from NHA. This distinct separation is what not only rationalizes but also makes necessary our use of NHA for survival and resource.

Human/Nonhuman Animals

I think the main difference between human animals and non human animals is a higher level of thinking. Human animals have everyday necessities figured out like; food, shelter, and maintaining a healthy life style. Human animals have these basics mastered allowing them to explore higher levels of thinking like art, fashion, material possessions, and hobbies. While exploring these fields we gain knowledge no other animals have obtained like language and arts. This is a major distinction between human animals and non human animals. Non human animals are constantly trying to survive preventing them from advancing like we do. They will always stay struggling and never become anything more, where humans are exponentially advancing. This is the biggest difference between us, we will always advance while they remain the same. This higher level of thinking has allowed us to talk and combine minds. We have many unnecessary possessions like; t.v., game systems, cars, and air conditioning. All these things non human animals do with out, but due to our higher level of thinking, we grew custom too.

Human/Nonhuman Animals

I feel as though the fundamental difference between humans and nonhuman animals is found in the nature of the two types of creatures. History has illustrated that humans, as a whole, have always spend there time on earth working towards some unattainable goal of happiness which is in a constant state of metamorphosis. This feeling of never being satisfied combined with a higher level of understanding and reasoning has been the cause for the vast difference in lifestyle between humans and nonhuman animals. Animals live instinctively and for the sake of survival has oppose to trying to find happiness in pride and selfishness. Though I believe that animals are capable of experiencing emotions as humans do, the lack of a constant desire for more is why the lifestyle of animals has gone unaltered throughout time, unless by necessity for survival.

Human/Nonhuman Animals

It is a hard, maybe even impossible, to draw a line between humans and non-humans. Many of the characteristics that people use to draw these lines have to do with metaphysical things like consciousness. However, how are we to know if an animal has consciousness or not? Or reason. How are we to know if a nonhuman animal uses reason when making decisions? I feel that since non of these instances can be proved or disproved they should not play a role in drawing the line between categories. I would argue that the divider should be based on reoccurring traits that we find in both classes. For example. To say something is a 'human' it should use advanced tools, communicate with a sophisticated language system, and be dominant over the world around it. As for non human animals we would see characteristics like scavenging for food, having a human master, and taking an secondary role in the world around it.

Human/Nonhuman Animals

There are plenty of similarities in human and nonhuman animals such as their determination to survive and the way they communicate with each other. But besides that, there are plenty of differences between the two. For one, physical characteristics are obviously not something humans have in common with non human animals. There is resemblance between humans and non humans such as humans and monkeys, but there are still distinct differences. The main difference I see between humans and non humans is their goal in life. In my opinion, non humans live to survive. They go by day by day looking for different ways to feed themselves, find shelter, and care for their families. On the other hand, humans who have a life goal to just survive would be looked at as a moral patient. Everybody seems to think that a goal must be accomplished by humans such as moving up in their job, or giving back to the community. Whatever it is, humans must do more than just eat, sleep, and protect their family; which is what nonhuman animals do.

Human / Nonhuman Animals

The physical differences between humans and animals are readily apparent. From the way we walk to how we talk, our physical attributes clearly set us apart. But humans and animals also have a lot in common. We just have different ways of doing similar things and when simplified our goals are fairly similar as well. Animals must provide for themselves and their families by finding things like food and shelter. As humans, our basic goals are much like those of animals just in a different environment and we act on those goals differently as well. But, I think it's the ability of humans to do things like reason with one another and negotiate problems that really distinguish us from animals who often resort to violence as a way to settle disputes. Our ability to communicate different emotions and information is what truly sets us apart from nonhuman animals.

Human/Nonhuman Animals

I feel that there are major distinguishing factors between humans and animals . Humans thrive in their environment by adapting their surroundings to suit their needs while animals adapt to the habitat they are presented with. Humans thrive and build and most animals just survive day-to-day. We are just one species, but have so many different languages and ways to communicate. Humans also think of new and efficient ways to destroy things and kill other humans. If you want to use Catholic Church teachings, then only humans have a conscience and know right from wrong. There isn't one sole reason out there that makes us different from animals.

-Austin Richardson

Human/Nonhuman Animals.

     Humans are able to form a historical record, learn from the past, and evolve their culture.  In humanity, culture compounds upon culture to benefit the race as a whole.  It is our technology and philosophy that defines us as a species.  We and we alone are gifted with the ability to solve complex problems and build on the past.

     In the animal kingdom, nature benefits species either through evolution or geological advantage.  Non-humans make no attempt to improve themselves or try to make their lives easier.  They do not learn from their ancestors so much as they outlive them.  There is no deeper meaning to their actions, no ideology that drives them.  There is loyalty at best and opportunism at worst.  The capability to autonomously improve is not present, and their value is directly tied to what they are capable of.

Human vs Non Human Animals

I believe a key difference between Human and Non Human animals is that humans possess a sense of culture. The decisions non human animals make and the way that they go about their lives is primarily instinctual. Though it can be said that they can learn from mistakes, have a sense of future, possess emotions, etc., it cannot be said that animals learn who they are, or dictate what they do based on material things or symbolic systems as human animals do. Humans use religion, myths, art, food, as well as a number of other outlets to make sense of the world around them. Humans can find themselves belonging to numerous cultures, none that are innate or inborn, but learned, and ever changing. The closest thing non-human animals may have to "culture" is their species. Though it may be vast, it is not flexible, and they are born with it. Also, a culture or society can be individualistic, or collectivist, or both. American "human-animals" for example, tend to think of themselves as individuals, though they may also believe they exist in a community greater than themselves, such as a family, or church congregation, racial demographic, etc. Animals may function as individuals, but instinctively have learned to survive by living amongst others of their species working towards survival or reproduction. Animals survive best as herds, or flocks, or colonies, swarms, nests, etc. Non human animals do not possess a sense of culture and customs as human animals do and this, above all, is what sets them apart from one another.

Humans/Nonhumans

The difference between nonhuman animals, and human animals is that humans separate themselves from nature. Humans often analyze nature as though from the side lines like they are not a part of nature, when they are. Animals are synonymous with being vulgar, chaotic and uncivilized. Humans like to think that the only part of them that has anything to do with nature, are the rudimentary acts to stay alive and reproduce. As well as separating themselves from the rest of the "natural" world they also question their role in the planet. Recently, there has been constant media attention on the environment. With humans ability to shape the world they also have the responsibility that comes with it. People worry about the energy they waste,the risk of overpopulation, endangered animals, and the ice caps. An nonhuman animal never worries about its population, or it effect on other species. Humans have a level of consciousness which simultaneously makes them feel as though they have to protect nature/the world while still thinking that they are something autonomous from it.

Human/Nonhuman Animals

Humans and nonhuman animals are distinctively different based on their cognitive thinking and communication. Humans can interpet, understand and analyze different situations by talking, listening and reading which gives them the upperhand over nonhumans. Nonhumans cognitive thinking is not sophiscated or advanced as humans which makes them inferior. Nonhumans do not reason or think thoroughly about a situation. Eventhough, humans and nonhumans have similar senses, they use them to interact differently. Nonhumnas interact for survival while humans interact for the upliftment of their lives. Humans are clever species who can reason and understand situations by enclosing them in a right or wrong category. This makes them moral agents while nonhumans who lack reasoning and understanding are categorized as moral patients. That is the clear understanding of why humans and nonhumans differ.

Human/Nonhuman Animals

The difference between human animals and nonhuman animals is the ability to make decisions based on more than just instincts. Nonhuman animals base their actions purely on pleasure or survival while human animals make decisions based on morals along with pleasure and survival. Nonhuman animals goals are to survive and reproduce while human animals' goals are more complex. Human animals' desires are endless and can range from making friends to getting a job promotion. Nonhuman animals' decisions lack reason and their desires are simplistic. Nonhuman animals react based on pure instinct and have no discretion. Human animals are able to make decisions based on outside forces like society or morals. Nonhuman animals have simplistic goals than Human animals.

Human/ Nonhuman Animals

I feel two main differences separate human animals from nonhuman animals, the ability to think critically and having a moral code. While nonhuman animals act purely on instincts. Morals and thinking critically can be used separately but in certain contexts they go hand in hand. Human animals are able to understand the difference between right and wrong. They know if an action would be frowned upon by society. In addition, before they act in certain situations they are able to weight out the pros or cons and act according to what they feel would be the better decision. I must mention just because human animals have this ability does not mean they always choose to do the right thing. Humans make mistakes, and when they choose to do something that harmed another, humans experience guilt and remorse. Such feelings are two feelings that non humans do not experience. Nonhuman animals do not experience such feelings because they act out of instinct. Nonhumans do not plot or scheme ways to get revenge on another human or nonhuman. Their brains simply do not function in such a way. This is not to say nonhumans can not experience any feeling, but not to the full range as human animals. To sum it up I also believe that human animals moral values and ability to think critically, allow human animals to develop civilizations and all that is included within a civilization.

Human/ Non-Human Animals

The difference between human animals and non-human animals is our belief of superiority and our ability to control animals and implement that belief. Human animals believe in their superiority. We keep non-human animals as pets, we use them to test our shampoos, we keep them in boxes so later we can eat them. I would not be surprised if other animals believed in their superiortiy; apes laughing out as while we coo at them at the zoo, cats loving us on their own terms, mosquitos ruthlessly attacking our exposed flesh. The difference, though, is that we has humans have something that the animals don't. We have the ability to implement and carry out our own superiority. We are bigger, have guns, chemical labs. We have the means to make animals lesser through technology. Non-human animals, while I would not call them "savages" and disclude human animals from the category, they are not as technologically advanced as we are, though intelligent they may be. Their intelligence is mainly instinctual, where human animals have harnassed intelligence to use in means other then survival.

Human/ Nonhuman Animals

Human animals and nonhuman animals differ in so many ways. With such interesting topic, one may be tempted to define the word human. I believe one of the definitions will be relating to or belonging to mankind. The biological characteristics tend to give us a clear distinction between the two types of animals. First of all, human are considered first class animals who are called Homo sapiens. The word Homo sapiens derives from the Latin word which means “ wise man” or “knowing man”. Human animals are been given the power by God to be over all nonhuman animals. The branch of Biology which relates to animal kingdom; Zoology tends to distinguish animals with respects to their different structure, physiology and classification. Human animals have characteristics that make them superior over nonhuman animals. Human animals have well developed brains, which give them the ability to think, invent things that have great impact of nonhuman animals. Nonhuman animals are subject to human animals therefore they are not the same.

Human/Nonhuman Animals

The largest factors that distinguish humans and non-human animals are their appearance and the way the mind works. As it is obvious to observe, the appearance of humans and animals are significantly different. Slight similar characteristics are present in all animals, human and non-human. Eyes, ears, nose, and many other body parts are similar but the main structure of the body is noticeably different. Other than the physical appearance, the way the mind works is different as well. Animals think based off impulse and instinct. Their main purpose in life is to survive. Animals, as discussed in Animal Ethics, are moral patients where they do not know what is and what is not morally right. Humans however are considered moral agents. All humans can rationalize the situation put in front of them and chose for themselves what is right and wrong. Animals don’t have that ability to judge for themselves. Our ability to think has enabled us to create a different world from what we used to live in. Animals are still residing in the same environment that they were placed into when the creation of the earth came about since they have a limited ability to think. For this and the appearances between humans and animals is what distinguishes us from one another.

Human/Nonhuman Animals

I feel that the core difference between humans and animals is our ability to reason and communicate with each other. We as humans have morals and values that we use to make decisions every day while animals don't have that ability. We go about our every day things making more advanced choices and decisions that animals are not able to make. I feel that animals emotions compared to ours are more complex. They are not necessarily stronger or weaker, but they have more depth to them. Animals don't know right and wrong. They struggle for physical survival just as much if not more than we do, but our emotional survival is much trickier. When it comes down to it animals work more off instinct than reason which is a huge difference.

human/non-human animals

The main difference between human and non-human animals is the capacity for distinct, recognizable and non-instinctive emotions and feelings. Humans are fully aware and can pinpoint fears, anxiety, passion and other similar emotions, while animals cannot understand their emotions, but rather just react to them. Generally, humans react to the things that affect them overtime. As many human reactions are too quickly executed, people still have the capability to choose the ways in which they respond and react to what their taking in and the positions they are put in. Animals do not have the same capabilities and respond based on instinct rather than on preference. Animals do not understand the complexity of their options when responding to various stimuli, while people do. As humans have a conscience which embody their ego and superego, non-human animals only have an id, and can only satisfy instinctual desires. I agree with Regan's "Subject of Life" theory, in that animals are less complex than humans are in what they need. I do think animals deserve rights, and although they are different and are not subject to the same reactions and lifestyles that humans are, the laws that surround animals should be fair and made more equal as to the rights that humans have set for each other.

human/nonhuman animals

I do not think there is such a great disparity between human animals and non-human animals as most would assume. The "Origins" essay preaches too much about our status and elevation above all animals. I agree that humans are intellectual and rational creatures, but I also think we are very narcissistic in regard to our 'nobility.' If you look at how desolate human kind is, and then look at the thriving communities between animals, is that not proof enough to say that perhaps animals are just as rational as we are? Take dogs, for instance. Dogs, in a pack, have a leader and his queen, if you will, and tribe members. The leader is always in control and also instinctually knows that if he protects his pack, then they in turn will protect him. Look at our country: we have leaders who are constantly oppressing their people and in turn are being attacked by other governmental systems and in consequence our country takes 'the hit' such as bomb threats and etc. That may be a bit extreme without contemplating the complexities of feuds between nations, but it is true. That leads into morality. Let's be honest and frank, are humans really all that moral? A small percentage of us are. But for the most part, no. A term that has arisen recently is the term 'moral posture.' Moral posture is a term that id currently used to describe how our great country America is the picture of morality. Well, if that is indeed truthful, then this world really needs to re-evaluate the magnitude of our grim society. In the animal kingdom in each species, fights break out but are neutralized. There may be some public shame, but nothing like Jerry Springer in which the shame comes from the ignorance in these people which reflects our image to the world. Largely and in conclusion, animals have much more gratitude, responsibility, and morality than most humans.

Human/Nonhuman Animals

I feel that there are several characteristics that distinguish human animals from non human animals. The first major difference, and probably the most obvious, is physical appearance. Humans have a unique physical structure that is different from any other animals. While some animals may possess a few human physical traits, no animal can match the human structure. The second difference is mental capacity. I do not know a lot of information about animal's brain capacity, but from general knowledge I can assume that human's are more intellectual. Human's have developed this little thing called technology, which has enabled them to do so much. Without technology humans would not have been able to accomplish half of the things they have. During this week's reading of Animal Ethics, we learned moral agent and moral patient. This is another difference between humans and animals. I believe that all humans are responsible for their actions and are therefore classifiable as moral agents. Animals on the other hand do not know what is right and what is wrong. They lack moral understanding, which is why they are classifiable as moral patients. I believe that another difference is subject of a life, another topic we learned in this weeks reading. All humans are subjects of a life because they possess the characteristics that define the term. For example, humans have beliefs and desires; sense of the future; and perception and memory, just to name a few. Not all animals are subjects of life because not all animals possess these characteristics. For example, do bee's, ants, and snakes think about the future? In conclusion, I think the main differences between human animals and nonhuman animals are physical structure, mental capacity, accountability, and subject of a life.

Human/Nonhuman Animals

I think the determining factor between human and nonhuman animals is the way they treat each other and their young. Certain animals choose mates for life and others are as polygamous as they choose to be. Some animals leave their young to fend for themselves only minutes after they are born and other animals care for their young for years after they were born. Animals that have problem-solving abilities, or that can learn through experiences could be considered "human," while animals whose only brain functions are to eat, sleep, reproduce, and basically survive would be thought of as "nonhuman."

Human/Nonhuman Animal

The difference between human beings and nonhuman animals is the fact that humans have morals. For example in the general introduction of “The Animal Ethics Reader,” Descartes says that animals lack "reason and a capacity for moral responsibility". I find that this is true in many cases especially in the American justice system. Unlike animals humans have a moral responsibility and when they fail to uphold the morals of the state punishment usually follows. For example, if a person kills another person or participates in the slaughter of animals through immoral means such as dog fighting that person is tried in court and if guilty will be punished. This same process does not happen to an animal who kills another animal or a human being there is no court preceding. The worst that I have seen happen is a pit-bull being put down because of a violent attack. This shows that animals do not act out of reasoning but they act out of instinct. I do not believe that the animal thinks about the consequences of their actions or even learn from their experiences as humans do. Humans have the ability to go through experiences and find a lesson to be learned. And thats why Humans are able to reason and set up standards to keep things in order and to better the Human race as a whole.

Human/Nonhuman Animals

I believe that the primary difference between humans and animals is our ability to think and reason. In "Origins," Descartes explains that animals are able to think, this is driven by instinct. For example, a dog can be taught tricks by a human, but the dog performs merely out of desire for a reward or fear of a consequence. I think that our superior ability to think is interconnected with yesterday's class discussion about pathos, logos, and ethos. While animals may feel basic emotions like desire or fear, and possess basic logic, like knowledge of what not to eat, the human capacity for these traits is far greater. Our feelings of wonder have driven us to try understand the world we live in, our logical thinking has allowed us to manipulate the world we live in to our benefit, and our ethics have enabled humans to coexist on a global scale. All of these feats were accomplished through our ability to think and reason.

Human/Nonhuman Animals

I feel as though what makes us different from animals is the fact that we possess a culture. To say we are separated by genetics is an understatement because we share much of the same DNA with rats. We are alike in many ways we have impulses such as seeking for food, mating and youth protective instinct. What separates us is that these impulse are considered primal to us humans and we can choose to act on it. Our culture is more sophisticated for this reason, the ability to guid, stop or manifest these impulses into a web we call personality. Collectively these different personality build our culture into a multi-faceted entity.

Human/Nonhuman Animals

What do you feel distinguishes human animals from nonhuman animals?
I feel that the one of the largest and only distinguishing factors between human animals and nonhuman animals is their appearance. In the text that we were assigned to read by Rene' Descartes, he shows very strong feelings about the deep differences between human animals and nonhuman animals. He seems to feel that nonhuman animals are highly inferior to human animals. I would have to disagree with this because I believe that animals have emotions, feeling and most importantly souls. They might not communicate as we do or act in ways that we understand but every animal knows the value of life and they prove this by existing here on earth. Another small distinction between human and nonhuman animals is the fact human animals have more power; not physically but mentally. Human animals are able to control much of their lives in ways that nonhuman animals cannot. In conclusion I believe that the distinghishing factors between human and nonhuman animals are minor. Nonhuman animals have many of the same organs as humans do. They merly lack the mental make up of human brains but maybe ...just maybe thats what makes them different and unique to humans not inferior.

Nomble' F. Lee

SECOND NATURE: The Inner Lives of Animals



Come hear Jonathan Balcombe present this fascinating topic!
Second Nature: The Inner Lives of Animals (Palgrave Macmillan 2010)

(excerpt from Publishers Weekly review)

“Who knew that chickens and humans find the same faces beautiful? Or that fish choose reliable partners for dangerous predator inspection missions? Referencing such intriguing studies, Balcombe builds a compelling case for blurring the line between animal and human perception, thereby questioning the prevailing scientific orthodoxy that humans alone possess the ability to reason. Over the years, studies have shown that animals have intelligence, emotions, cunning; that they can communicate, can be altruistic...”

Balcombe also shows that social living requires all animals to behave nicely toward one another, and spells out why the human-animal relationship needs a major overhaul, especially when it comes to our food choices.

Balcombe has graciously agreed to present this topic to the Animal Law students at Temple University Beasley School of Law. Come and learn with us!

Date: Monday, January 24, 2011

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Location: Temple University Beasley School of Law, Room 7A
1719 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA

RSVP: **You must RSVP for this event in order to have your name on the security list.

Seats are limited so please reserve your spot early:
dara [dot] lovitz [at] hotmail.com

Animal behavior scientist Jonathan Balcombe is the author of the best-selling Pleasurable Kingdom: Animals and the Nature of Feeling Good, the first book to explore the positive experiences of animals. His new book Second Nature: The Inner Lives of Animals was released March 2010 and is already in its 3rd printing. He has written many scientific papers and lay-articles on animal behavior, humane education, and animal research. A dynamic sought-after speaker, Balcombe has given invited presentations on six continents.