Beyond Human: Rethinking Our Place in the Natural World
Breaking down the myth of human exceptionalism
Humans have a long history of considering themselves to be exceptional and unique in the animal kingdom. We have developed elaborate myths and stories that emphasize our superiority and special status, and have even come up with scientific and philosophical justifications for this belief. However, when we take a closer look at the evidence, it becomes clear that human beings are not as unique or special as we like to think.
One example of this is the way in which we perceive other animals as being essentially different from us. Many people see non-human animals as being little more than automatons, lacking any real capacity for thought or feeling. This view can be traced back to the French philosopher René Descartes, who famously argued that animals were no more than machines, lacking consciousness or emotions. This belief was based on Descartes’ dualistic philosophy, which held that the mind and body were separate entities, with the mind being uniquely human.
However, modern research has shown that this view of animals as automatons is deeply flawed. Studies have demonstrated that animals are capable of complex cognitive and emotional processes, from problem-solving to empathy and even self-awareness. For example…
