What's so special about humans?

This article explores the dividing line between humans and animals, a topic of discussion which will likely resurface over the course of this class.

To read this entire article, go to the UBC Libary home page (login as a student). Click on: Find--Journal--enter: "New Scientist"--LexisNexis Academic--and in the search terms box, enter: "What's so special about humans." That should take you straight to the article. Post your thoughts on the article if you like.

Citation: "What's so special about humans?" by Christine Kenneally, New Scientist May 2008, 28-34.

Excerpt: "THERE was a time when we thought humans were special in so many ways. Now we know better. We are not the only species that feels emotions, empathises with others or abides by a moral code. Neither are we the only ones with personalities, cultures and the ability to design and use tools. Yet we have steadfastly clung to the notion that one attribute, at least, makes us unique: we alone have the capacity for language.
Alas, it turns out we are not so special in this respect either. Key to the revolutionary reassessment of our talent for communication is the way we think about language itself."