Animal Quote by Daniel Dennett
“For more than a century, people have often thought that the conclusion to draw from Darwin's vision is that Homo sapiens, our species - and we're just animals too, we're just mammals - that there is nothing morally special about us. I myself don't think this follows at all from Darwin's vision, but it is certainly the received view in many quarters.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on Evolution and Morality, 1995
Darwin does not imply humans lack moral uniqueness; morality can arise from evolutionary processes.
In simple terms: Humans can be moral despite being animals.
Key Takeaway
Recognize moral capacity beyond biology.
Themes
ethics
evolution
human nature
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- debates on moral status
- education
- public policy
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
evolutionary ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does evolution shape moral intuition?
- Can morality be objective?
A Different Perspective
Morality may still be culturally contingent.
