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Originally Posted by Lestat First of all, as might be clear from what went before, I do believe that humanity is a "superior" (for want of a better word) species. Not because of the reli-reasons that Chim mentioned, but based on its evolutionary success. |
I have some difficulty in following your thought. I assume you mean no tautology, so I have to conclude that for you evolutionary success is intrinsically admirable in some sense. Does that necessarily follow? Many people would argue that the financiallly successful human being is "superior". I can't see that myself, and the argument is of the same form, or am I missing something?
Even if I accept that supposition I still consider that the elements of evolutionary success you adduce are questionable. All those you identify are true, but you have not addressed longevity, which I raised and see as important. Neither you nor I have any evidence which is not open to question. But the ability to alter the environment to our short term needs does seem to have the potential to destroy our habitat. If that should happen in the next couple of hundred years, it would be difficult to argue for our success as a species. In fact the fatal flaw would be inherent in our nature and that is surely the essence of tragedy? It would be hard to argue for our success in view of the short period of our hegemony. As I said, it is too early to tell.