1. Alex the Parrot

Comment #70725 by EtceteraEllipsis on September 16, 2007 at 6:59 pm

Dr Benway,

Thank you for the recommendation! I've seen the documentary you linked to - an excellent watch. And you're right, I think that our carnivorous identities may also be a part of the mental block we seem to have when we look at other animals. People are just as hostile about what they eat as they are about what they believe. If they were forced to empathize with another animal, they would have to think twice before supporting Kentucky Fried "Chicken", and shell out the extra dollar for free-range eggs when they're at the supermarket...

2. Alex the Parrot

Comment #70715 by EtceteraEllipsis on September 16, 2007 at 6:11 pm

Thank you so much for posting this here. I've encountered nothing but hostility when speaking about the possibility that other animals have consciousness as we do. The assumption that humans are the only animals that experience self-conscious thought, or emotion, can be traced at least in part to religions that portray man as closer to God. So it is really gratifying to see this posted here. I believe it's our duty as atheists to keep an open mind and to understand where our cultural assumptions come from so that they don't hinder us. There is still so much for us to learn if we remain open to it...