Humans and Animals

Since humans share a common experience and perspective and perceive human will and intent, humans apply values of good and evil primarily to humans and secondarily to that which great resembles human thought, will, and intent. For example when a pet “obeys” we reward calling it “good.” To the extent which animals do what we wish them to, we consider them “well behaved.” Though we perceive some resemblence to human thought, will, and intent, we do not treat it the same way or place the same values on their actions. Why? Perhaps this is because despite the resemblance to human thought, will, and intent, we have no point of reference, no consensus, no access to the animal experience - indeed, the actions of some species are so foreign that there is no resemblence to human thought, will, or intent whatsoever. This has lead many to assume that either thought, will, and intent is absent in animals or that it is of a somehow more base quality.