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Comment by unfitted2545

10 hours ago

That's kinda ridiculous to think we're not animals anymore, our nature is to use intellect for survival (and though we know we can reduce suffering further we choose not to).

4 comments

unfitted2545

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ncr100  10 hours ago

It is a mind bender, yes.

Your argument, written here and As far as I understand it at the moment, goes along with the other argument that everything is a simulation, or that everything that we do is preordained based upon physics. All mindbenders.

I want to believe that I have the ability to make an educated decision when faced e.g. with impulses to suppress or oppress others, I do know that I can consider ramifications and benefits outside of those which directly impact me.

So, perhaps it's better to say, we can be unanimal like rather than simply not animal, at all? What do you think?

  • unfitted2545  6 hours ago

    I do believe in determinism.

    I see what you mean by being able to consider the worth of harming something for your own gain. But doesn't this apply to all animals? If a bear was hungry I'm sure they would happily eat you, but they would probably think twice if they weren't. Same for early humans, it's just we have our technologies (which our intellectual nature has enabled) now to prop us up and not have to really think about survival.

    The main thing I'm curious to hear your thoughts on is what are we if not animals? Gods? That's surely completely relative, like an anteater to an ant.

  • pinnochio  9 hours ago

    > Your argument, written here and As far as I understand it at the moment, goes along with the other argument that everything is a simulation,

    What?

    This isn't a mindbender. You're just drawing lines.

    Edit: I slightly misread your comment as advocating that we're not animals. However, whether one describes us as not animals or able to be "unanimal like" is still a matter of drawing lines.