Humans exhibit behavior, which is similar to animals. Pets and wild animals often exhibit similar behavior to humans. So are humans really animals? Do humans belong in the animal kingdom and not separated out as something so special that they deserve a separate classification?

Recently an online think tank brought up this subject and a think tanker stated: “While it would seem plausible to establish an absolute difference between humans and animals based on individual characteristics, the distinctions cannot provide a single reliable determination since the target is a composition of characteristics or elements which compose this condition.”

One would agree of course from a scientific method of proof, yet the observation is so strong that humans are animals, that it would seem a moot point says another think tanker. But the discussion rages on in that the think tanker further stated; “For example: An animal demonstrates loss or distress under the event of environmental change, therefore the animal in question possesses a likeness to humans and our emotional design.”

Indeed however my premise and conclusion of my observations from my perspective is that “Empathy” does not set humans apart. Humans have similar traits to animals in that regard. Yet, the unconvinced think tanker states that “the animal in question possesses a likeness to humans and our emotional design.”

Good point indeed, but that is not my contention. My contention is that humans are animals and therefore possess emotional evolutionary similarities to all animals or mammals of higher order. What do you think of this subject? Is it worthy of discussion? Consider this in 2006.