• JohnnyEnzyme@piefed.social
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    3
    ·
    8 hours ago

    I’m not aware of any evidence to suggest that many living animals aren’t highly self-aware. What is it that you think separates humans so decisively?

    Now if you talk about this late-stage, high-tech, message-dense civilisation being responsible for much of that, then I agree, but I’d also point out that it’s a recent construction. Genetically we’re still the same as our hunter-gatherer ancestors, who had none of that stuff.

    So what would make those humans from about 6K - 12Kyrs so unique compared to other animals…?

    • partofthevoice@lemmy.zip
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      3 hours ago

      There’s nothing that I think should mean any species capable of experiencing shouldn’t also experience their self within the scope of their awareness. However, I think mankind is a logical kind of animal. Applying logic to the phenomenon of self awareness, e.g., asking about one’s character and goals, is likely unique to humans in my view.