Essay Preparation Task

pdf

School

Macquarie University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

1031

Subject

Anthropology

Date

Oct 30, 2023

Type

pdf

Pages

Uploaded by ChancellorKnowledgeRedPanda11

Essay Prepartaion Task Topic: “There is something special about human nature in comparison to other animals .” Do you agree with this statement? Provide an argument either attacking or supporting this proposition using reasons and evidence. Part (i) Draft Introductory Paragraph (191 words) In this essay, I will argue that the uniqueness of human nature in comparison to non-human animals, is a notion that is comparatively true but inherently false. I intend to articulate that both animals and humans are biologically not that special, however, our evolutionary cultural and linguistic aspects implemented within our environments are distinct - there are differences in degree due to our evolutionary progression and adaptation, by which humans lie at the end of the continuum, differing from animals in degree but not in kind. My thesis will be supported by examining the comparative differences in cognition in animals and humans through memory retention, problem-solving and the formation of non-human animal linguistics. Kevin Laland’s position on generational ‘copying and teaching’ further insinuates this and will be defended. Secondly, the biological differences and characteristics between species through an evolutionary perspective. I will defend Darwin’s theory of intelligence and consciousness evolving from simpler instincts as demonstrated through communication, and the social and cultural arrangement of species - this further leads to the argument that animals have consciousness. These segments will articulate the debate on the uniqueness of human nature in comparison to other animals.

Part (ii) Draft Reference List for the Essay References Andrews, K., (2016) Animal Cognition. [only sections 1 and 2] (pp. 1-12) In The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2017 Edition) , Edward N. Zalta (ed.). Boesch, C., (2003) Is culture a golden barrier between humans and Chimpanzees? Evolutionary Anthropology: issues, news, and reviews., 12(2), pp 82-91. Laland, K. N. (2018) What Made Us Unique. (originally published with the title "An Evolved Uniqueness" in Scientific American 319, 3, 32-39). Lamm. (2014). WHAT MAKES HUMANS DIFFERENT [Review of WHAT MAKES HUMANS DIFFERENT ]. BioScience , 64 (10), 946–952. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biu140 Wilson, D. S. (n/a). Animals and Ethics. Wright State University. Citation Style: The citation style I have used is APA (7th edition).

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version