by jimwalton » Tue Jun 26, 2018 7:23 am
A variety of scholars from several fields still seem to think humans are unique, which would play into our thoughts from a religious perspective.
- We can remember (as in history and culture): We have cultures and ways of transmitting information. This comes from Marvin Minsky, AI pioneer, MIT.
- We can reason with one another. This comes from Daniel Dennett, a cognitive scientist and philosopher (Dennett's a self-described atheist).
- Humans have a unique ability to imitate desire. Animals can imitate behavior, but they don't imitate desire. This comes from Warren Brown, neuroscientist.
- The capacity to worship. This comes from Craig Hazen, Christian university professor.
- Humans are the only creatures in the universe who ask why. This comes from Loren Eiseley, Anthropologist, educator, philosopher, and natural science writer.
So, according to current-day science and philosophy, that's what seems to be special about humans. From a religious perspective, I can subscribe to all of these answers.
A variety of scholars from several fields still seem to think humans are unique, which would play into our thoughts from a religious perspective.
- We can remember (as in history and culture): We have cultures and ways of transmitting information. This comes from Marvin Minsky, AI pioneer, MIT.
- We can reason with one another. This comes from Daniel Dennett, a cognitive scientist and philosopher (Dennett's a self-described atheist).
- Humans have a unique ability to imitate desire. Animals can imitate behavior, but they don't imitate desire. This comes from Warren Brown, neuroscientist.
- The capacity to worship. This comes from Craig Hazen, Christian university professor.
- Humans are the only creatures in the universe who ask why. This comes from Loren Eiseley, Anthropologist, educator, philosopher, and natural science writer.
So, according to current-day science and philosophy, that's what seems to be special about humans. From a religious perspective, I can subscribe to all of these answers.