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Animals, humans and x-men: Human uniqueness and the meaning of personhood

2005; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 3; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/14746700500317289

1474-6719

Christopher L. Fisher,

Theology and Philosophy of Evil

Abstract Research in animal intelligence suggests to some that humans are different only in degree from animals, possibly eroding the traditional theological doctrine of the imago dei. In this paper, several critical boundary areas between humans and animals are examined for scientific evidence about human distinctiveness. These include communication and language capacity, cultural creativity, spirituality, and ethical capacity. Chimpanzee language studies and research in Neanderthal mentality are examined as the closest known natural approximations to human communication and intelligence. The implications of the findings are explored in relation to human culture, ethics, and spirituality in a context consistent with evolutionary continuity. Aspects of human uniqueness are apparent, can be fruitfully encompassed in the idea of personhood, and are coherent with Trinitarian theology's anthropological focus.