Thursday, November 15, 2018

Philosophy Wire: Rational animals… We. Not the animals.

Previous studies have shown that animals can remember specific events, use tools and solve problems. But exactly what that means remains a matter of scientific dispute. Now one researcher suggests the evidence shows a wide range of animal species exhibit so-called 'executive control' when it comes to making decisions, consciously considering their goals and ways to satisfy those goals before acting. [1] We like to be rational. And we like to believe everyone else is rational as well. If they are not, there is something wrong with them. Our latest “victims”: the animals. They too are rational. So, there you go, the whole cosmos is rational! And yet… What is that sparrow doing? Why does the cricket sings? Why does the butterfly fly? Irrational specks of dust messing up our clean (imaginary) rational cosmos. Close your eyes. No, the universe is not rational. It is a dark and cold world illuminated only by the raging fire of irrationality, burning deeply within each and every one of us. Let the crow fly. It does not know why. Nor does it want to learn…

(c) Philosophy WIRES - Commenting world news from philosophy's perspective…

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