Essence of Humanity 2 - a note on rationality
December 2nd 2009 01:59
When I entered my post title into google to see what other internet personalities had to say on the subject, it was this one on rationality and reason that jumped up first. Funnily enough, in the book Im reading, just today, I hit a part that mentions ability to reason as the essence of humanity. Yep, exact words. (The book is 'The Ice House' by Minette Walters)
So, this person has written an essay on the essence of humanity, that it is our ability to reason, rationalize, that creates this specifically human essence. The ability to suffer now to have a reward later on. That this is strictly a human trait.
Sorry. Wrong.
This is a very pale example, but I know horses that leave some feed in their bin so they can have it when they return to the stable. Even if they know, they will have dinner, and breakfast, they deliberately leave some food for later. And while they're out working, I know theyre thinking - "Its ok, Ive got some food waiting for me when I get back..."
This, however pale, is an example of suffering a little now for a reward later. Its reasoning. Its rationalizing. And its evident in species other than human.
So, this person has written an essay on the essence of humanity, that it is our ability to reason, rationalize, that creates this specifically human essence. The ability to suffer now to have a reward later on. That this is strictly a human trait.
Sorry. Wrong.
This is a very pale example, but I know horses that leave some feed in their bin so they can have it when they return to the stable. Even if they know, they will have dinner, and breakfast, they deliberately leave some food for later. And while they're out working, I know theyre thinking - "Its ok, Ive got some food waiting for me when I get back..."
This, however pale, is an example of suffering a little now for a reward later. Its reasoning. Its rationalizing. And its evident in species other than human.
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