Who are we?

[chafraphi]

Has anyone stopped to ask "if we are the children of God, what makes us so". What sets us apart from the rest of creation that makes us special? Or on a purely philosophical level what sets us apart from the other animals? What is human essence?

 

[Philosoft]

I'm not sure that what "sets us apart from other animals" is a purely philosophical question. What makes you think it is?

 

[chafraphi]

If not a philosophical question - then what? It was a question in reference to human essence, not one of empirical observation.

 

[Philosoft]

I don't know what "human essence" is supposed to be. I can point to observable physiological and behavioral distinctions between humans and other animals, but I can't see how that tells us anything about "essence."

 

[chafraphi]

If you could point to one thing that makes us distinctly human. For example, Descartes pointed to the thinking process when he said "I think therefore I am". That quote of yours sees to point to choice, as did the moment in The Matrix III where Neo says to Smith "Because I choose to". Is it a soul, and if so what is the essence of that soul. Or are we just a little bit smarter that the animals? HMM. Maybe I don't know what I am asking?!!!

 

[Myah]

I think what sets us apart from animals is more advanced problem solving. It's not about the soul. I don't know about anyone else, but when I look into an animal's eyes, I can see that they have a soul.

 

[arizona_sunshine]

For my dog Pete, of whom i am deeply psychological aware, it would go:

I think, therefore I am... hungry.

Do animals have morals? Or instinct only?

I believe we are children of God, with divine potential for learning and for growth. Evidence for this can be found in scripture, which is not convincing for everyone...

I think the answer must be confirmed in one's mind and/or soul, for we will not really know in this life...

 

[Sophia23]

I think that all things hold a divine spark (*and* an anima) within. Just humans are too egotistical to accept that because something is diffrent and seems to exist in a diffrent way with diffrent properties - that it is "diffrent" in the absolute sense, and lacks that which we have... meh... I am not good at coherancy.

 

[chafraphi]

Sophia23
Do not down-play the importance of your answer, please. I also believe exactly as you do, the divinity or godness of everything. I also see the human "ego" as our downfall. It turns the "eden" in which we live into the hell that now exists. But what in us makes it possible to turn this around? Is there anything? What are all the religions pointing to? It has to be the same thing. And I hope we find "it" before it is too late.

 

[Clear]

But what in us makes it possible to turn this around?

Empathy, perhaps? Our ability to understand another's point of view? Assuming it's exercized of course, which it doesn't seem to be very often.

 

[Vylo]

There is nothing that sets humans apart from animals any moreso then certain aspects of some animals set them apart from other animals. Many of the ecological woes we have faced have stemmed from the fact that humans tend to think of themselves as "special", instead of simply "different".

 

[Philosoft]

A psychologist might tell you the one behavior that humans exhibit that isn't observed in other animals to any degree is the belief in a higher cosmic purpose or order or whatever. I don't know enough to affirm or deny this.