Setting aside our peculiar physical characteristics (larynx, thumbs, etc.) that allow us to build things, are humans more rational than other animals? While the latter have had millions of years to develop self-protective instincts, humans have continuously demonstrated self-destructive behaviors (suicide, wars, etc.) at both the personal and societal levels. Why is this?
The answer may be that humans are blessed/cursed with emotions. Unlike other animals, we are easily overcome by sensory input which can result in cognitive malfunctions (hate, fear, etc.) that cause us to engage in destructive behaviors rather than screening out those inputs which are irrelevant to our well being. For example, most humans are unable to filter out sounds (especially speech) that is irrelevant to their own interests. That is why many advertisements simply repeat otherwise meaningless slogans, which are designed to promote emotional, rather than rational, responses.
Other animals (e.g., house pets) seem better able than humans to ignore sensory inputs which are not directly related to related to their own benefit. While a dog may salivate upon hearing a bell, that is directly related to receiving food. Humans, on the other hand, may become extremely upset upon hearing that their favorite sports team has lost an athletic contest. Such reactions seem to extend to political messaging as well, where transparently false or contradictory statements are accepted for their emotional, rather than cognitive, value.
Is there any other explanation for Joe Biden serving as President of the United States?
The answer may be that humans are blessed/cursed with emotions. Unlike other animals, we are easily overcome by sensory input which can result in cognitive malfunctions (hate, fear, etc.) that cause us to engage in destructive behaviors rather than screening out those inputs which are irrelevant to our well being. For example, most humans are unable to filter out sounds (especially speech) that is irrelevant to their own interests. That is why many advertisements simply repeat otherwise meaningless slogans, which are designed to promote emotional, rather than rational, responses.
Other animals (e.g., house pets) seem better able than humans to ignore sensory inputs which are not directly related to related to their own benefit. While a dog may salivate upon hearing a bell, that is directly related to receiving food. Humans, on the other hand, may become extremely upset upon hearing that their favorite sports team has lost an athletic contest. Such reactions seem to extend to political messaging as well, where transparently false or contradictory statements are accepted for their emotional, rather than cognitive, value.
Is there any other explanation for Joe Biden serving as President of the United States?
