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.