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Re: Are we "special"?
Phillip Bigelow (bh162@scn.org)
Sat, 07 Dec 1996 20:32:39 -0800
Robin Gripp wrote:
>
> As a passing thought, if we do not think our own species to be
> special - even if only to ourselves, why would we even bother to
> download this newsgroup ?
One way to answer your question is to ask a paleontologist
that specializes in the study of Devonian sponges. Does this
intensity of human interest in Devonian sponges make sponges "special"
creatures that had a "unique" or "special" evolutionary origin?
No. Then why do some paleontologists specialize in studying them?
Probably because to some people, fossil sponges are scientifically-
interesting creatures. That's enough, in my opinion.
Those who crown humans with the laurel wreath of specialness and
uniqueness are crossing over the border onto the slippery slope
of religion.
<pb>
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