Wednesday, January 26, 2011

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.

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