11-16-2012, 01:49 PM
(This post was last modified: 11-16-2012, 01:51 PM by Tenet Nosce.)
Great summary, Shin'Ar! 
Yes, this is where we delved into our side conversation, and I have pretty much the same question.
There is a notion which says that it is wrong or somehow unfair to exalt humans over animals. Or that we should "respect" animals by extending to them the same rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" that we have (supposedly) given ourselves.
In my analysis of this proposition, I find myself saying OK. But then, why just the animals? Why stop there?
If it is wrong for humans to exalt ourselves over other lifeforms, then isn't it just as wrong to exalt the animal kingdom over the others? Who are we to say that the animals are more important than the bacteria, or the algae, or the fungi, or the plants?
(11-16-2012, 01:25 PM)ShinAr Wrote: Again I ask, respect and compassion based upon what degree of evolved understanding?
Yes, this is where we delved into our side conversation, and I have pretty much the same question.
There is a notion which says that it is wrong or somehow unfair to exalt humans over animals. Or that we should "respect" animals by extending to them the same rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" that we have (supposedly) given ourselves.
In my analysis of this proposition, I find myself saying OK. But then, why just the animals? Why stop there?
If it is wrong for humans to exalt ourselves over other lifeforms, then isn't it just as wrong to exalt the animal kingdom over the others? Who are we to say that the animals are more important than the bacteria, or the algae, or the fungi, or the plants?