Descartes Man vs Animal - 2088 Words

Movies and novels such as Planet of the Apes and 2001: A Space Odyssey are called Science Fiction because they portray situations that seem extremely unrealistic concurrent with contemporary philosophy. Planet of the Apes depicts a world where apes rule while humans are subjected to servitude and confinement. These apes speak intelligibly and are human-like in appearance and behavior. In 2001: A Space Odyssey, the highly advanced computer, HAL 9000, an acronym for Heuristically programmed ALgorithmic computer, controls the bulk of spaceship operation. It makes declarative statements, learns from mistakes and, in the beginning, interacts well with the crew. In both works non-human entities, apes in one and a robotic system in the†¦show more content†¦Recent studies show that many birds are more intelligent than previously thought. Ravens, for instance, have the ability to solve difficult puzzles, such as untangling a knotted string to free up a tasty treat or figuring out how to steal fish by hauling in an anglers untended lineÂ…crows on the remote Pacific island of New Caledonia have learned a skill that people once thought only primates could master: the use of tools. The birds use long, specially chosen twigs to spear the plump grubs that hide deep beneath the bark of rotting logsÂ…orangutans learn complex tasks, such as washing clothes by hand, after just a few tries. And even pigeons and parrots have shown an extraordinary capacity to recognize, count, or name different objects. [1] Examples such as these and many others had lead many scientists to the conclusion that many animals are a great deal more intelligent and conscious than previously conceived. These show that animals in fact do act from knowledge. Descartes says that it is action only from the disposition of organs that delineates humans from animals. However, the actions described clearly go beyond the disposition of the Raven and crows beaks. Some may argue, however, that these actions are simply the product of natural selection. In response to what end would nature select an orangutans ability to wash clothes or a birds capacity to count and/or name objects. Other skills as well argueShow MoreRelated Descartes Man vs Animal Essays2061 Words   |  9 Pagesfunctions based upon previously acquired â€Å"knowledge† which goes against what most consider to be normal animal/machine behavior, thus it is termed Science Fiction. In 1637, celebrated French philosopher and mathematician, Renà © Des cartes (1596-1650), published Discourse on Method, Optics, Geometry, and Meteorology in which he maintains that he had established two universal criteria to distinguish animals and machines from humans, and thus those entities without souls from those with. His criteria are theRead MoreCartesian Rationalism Vs. Locke s Empiricism Essay1632 Words   |  7 Pages Name Institution INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY Cartesian rationalism vs. Locke’s empiricism Rene Descartes was a rationalist who believed that knowledge of the world can be gained by the exercise of pure reason, while empiricist like Locke believed that knowledge of the world came through senses. Descartes from his meditations deduced from intuitive first principles the existence of self, of God, of the mind as a thinking substance andRead MoreMontaigne and Augustine1359 Words   |  6 Pagesmetaphor of nature and natural tendencies in opposition to man s vain, self-seeking faà §ade that displaces God the creator. Montaigne s statement appears to (on the surface at least) value mans naturalistic tendencies and graces in a much better light than our own vain-striving presumptions that claim that our competent utterances hold the very answers to the right way in which to conduct oneself. Montaigne constantly uses the contrast of animals and humans with the former representing a more pureRead MoreThe Mystery Of Consciousness And Consciousness Essay1338 Words   |  6 Pag esmemories. Throughout the nineteenth century and beyond, however, consciousness has laid beyond the confines of science. Rene Descartes , a French philosopher, laid down the foundation of science by reflecting on what it meant to be conscious. Descartes was the one who introduced the idea of the mind as separate from the body, otherwise known as Cartesian Dualism. Descartes several theories sparked major controversy and discussion about consciousness. During the twentieth century, consciousness wasRead MoreHuman And Non Human Animals1791 Words   |  8 PagesWith several scientifically verifiable differences between human and non-human animals, there are major similarities in terms of biological make ups, livelihood requirements, and life cycles. Major differences are cited on the grounds of brain functionality and response to various environmental stimuli. Basing the whole argument on the differences in the mental capabilities of both human and non-human animals, the latter is viewed as less being that is vulnerable and that requires support, protectionRead MoreConsciousness Is The Subjective Perception Of The Self Essay1694 Words   |  7 Pagesto solve problems, and to create memories. Consciousness has historically laid beyond the confines of science. Rene Descartes, a French philosopher, laid down the foundation of the study of consciousness by reflecting on what it meant to be conscious. Descartes was the one who introduced the idea of the mind as separate from the body, otherwise known as Cartesian Dualism. Descartes’ several theories sparked major controversy and discussion about consciousness. During the twentieth century, consciousnessRead MoreCartesian Dualism vs Logical Behaviorism Essay1483 Words   |  6 Pagesthe mind, both have their strengths and weaknesses. Renà © Descartes was the 17th century, French philosopher responsible for many well-known philosophical arguments, such as Cartesian dualism. Briefly discussed previously, according to dualism, brains and the bodies are physical things; the mind, which is a nonphysical object, is distinct from both the brain and from all other body parts (Sober 204). Sober makes a point to note Descartes never denied that there are causal interactions between mentalRead MoreCritically Compare How the Nature-Nurture Debate Has Been Addressed by Three Different Researchers or Schools or Thought in Psychology and/or Philosophy. at Least One of the Researchers/Schools Must Have Been Active Before the 20th Century.2285 Words   |  10 Pagesbehaviour is a result of life experiences that mould and change through one’s life such as how one is reared by their parents, what one is educated in school and one’s culture. The nature vs. nurture debate can be traced all the way to 13th century Fra nce and to a manuscript, Silence. 17th century philosopher Descartes was also a major influence on nature and nurture debate and argued that we do not come into the world completely void of any conceptions about it. On the other spectrum to his line ofRead MorePsychology : Child Development Theories1094 Words   |  5 Pagespsychologist and thought it would not be of any benefit to study them. Interest in the development in children did not take place until the early 17th century and the only thing being studied were abnormalities in children. It all began with a man named Renà © Descartes, a philosopher and mathematician, who is considered the father of modern philosophy. Arguably most known for his most famous observation â€Å"I think; Therefore I am† which is thought to define the starting point of existence and for being theRead MoreThe Philosophy Of Human Nature1534 Words   |  7 Pagesfamously stated â€Å"Man s nature is not essentially evil. Brute nature has bee n known to yield to the influence of love. You must never despair of human nature.† In Chinese culture, too, humans had long been considered to be essentially good, under the idealistic doctrines of Confucius and Mencius. In the West, however, many scholars, most notably including John Locke and Thomas Hobbes, suggested that the innate human condition was selfish and competitive. French philosopher, Rene Descartes expanded on