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N0_IDEA5 t1_jdr1xeq wrote

Reply to comment by dajaffaman in Examining what makes a life worth living according to the ancient philosophers by ADefiniteDescription

They want it to apply for all people, most ancient western philosophers thought what separates all people from animals is our capacity for rational thinking.

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Starlit-Tortoise t1_jdulvwl wrote

Is it not?

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N0_IDEA5 t1_jdusge6 wrote

Depends who you’d ask. Some say there are other animals that are able to rationally think, typical the example given is crows or chimpanzees. Other people don’t like the idea as that would somewhat dehumanize people with mental disabilities who are unable to rationally think at times.

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Kaarsty t1_jdv3hto wrote

You raise an interesting point and some don’t like the idea that animals are rational thinkers like we are because we use it to justify so much of our animalistic behavior. AI though, will force us to ask those questions and in rapid fashion. By demonstrating that we’re not “special” in our ability to think (machines can do it - not now - but soon) we will call into question our own existence and ideologies. Crazy time to be alive.

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N0_IDEA5 t1_jdv6kg2 wrote

Now your getting into the Phil of mind (my bread and butter) I will say I don’t necessarily think AI will bring the question of animal intelligence much more into light than it already is. What I typically hear as a rationale for AI intelligence over animal intelligence is that because we created it, it can have equal to our intelligence. I could see it bringing the question of animal intelligence a bit more into the discussion, but honestly I think it’s already is pretty prominent in the discussion.

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