Differences Between Animals And Humans

Some believe that all animals and humans should have equal consideration in all matters because animals have shown to be as intelligent as some human beings. While they do have much in common, like the necessity of food, water, and shelter, animals and humans have one distinct difference that should prevent us from erasing the diversity between the species. This essential difference makes it so that humans and animals cannot be compared, and that while they, in theory, should have the same consideration as humans, cannot. Impartiality between the two would mean that animals and humans are treated equally in all aspects, which would be unbeneficial to both species. The essential difference is that humans are the only animals who can self-reflect, …show more content…
However, they cannot assess that they are alive. A chimpanzee, the human’s closest animal relative, can be taught to act just like any other human being, and do what is thought to be a human characteristic (Chimpanzee). They can learn how to eat with utensils, how to plug numbers in a computer, and even learn how to use tools. However, they cannot reflect on what they are doing. They do not know that by eating with proper utensils they are using their table manners and proper etiquette. They cannot assess how plugging in numbers into a computer can give you certain data, and that those numbers stand for a specific formula. Lastly, they do not understand that tools can build skyscrapers. This is because they cannot place themselves outside of their body and recognize what they are doing. Animals do not realize that in performing these acts they are improving their lifestyle and standard of living. In addition to this, animals cannot reflect on their feelings. A mamma bear may feel traumatized when she loses her cub, but she cannot assess her feelings about that fear and pain. Even though she is feeling sadness, she does not understand that she is feeling an emotion. Also, she does not know what she can do to make herself feel better about the situation. She only knows that she lost her kin, meaning she is distressed. Animals are not able to assess their situation because they do not realize they exist. Due to …show more content…
As mentioned, animals can be taught to plug numbers into a computer. However, they cannot use logic and reason to understand what they are doing. While chimpanzees may be able to add up 2+2, they do not realize that they can also use this knowledge in the real world rather than just the math problem at hand. Human beings are able to determine what is useful in different situations. They can resolve a problem by thinking about it logically. This is given to them as they know how to the self-reflect on their choices by thinking things rationally. For example, animals hunt in order to get their food instinctually. People, on the other hand, can decide a recipe they want to make, go to the grocery store to buy the necessary items, and cook it. They can even change the recipe to make it taste better, healthier, and so on through reason, experience, and gained knowledge. In addition, animals do not have the concept of patience. They do not understand that if they wait, they might get better food. Nature tells them they must hunt in order to survive, so they find the easiest kill. Whether or not it is best for them or the other species is never the question. Human beings are the only species that can think about their actions and their consequences, and in turn use logic and reason to better themselves or even figure out solutions. However, human beings also have the