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As a fellow Biology major (and current Science teacher), I completely agree with you on all counts! All sorts of behaviors originally "evolved" because of the benefits for individuals to cohabitate in a pack or complex social group. Emotional ties within family units and social groups help to strengthen the bonds that are necessary to the survival of the species.
Some people can be touchy about the idea of analyzing human behavior with regard to our "primitive" origins, but I find the subject both enlightening and commendable. I don't feel that accepting the notion of an evolutionary history as demeaning, but rather that it helps to remind us of our earliest connections with the world of life that exists around us. I, personally, feel that there is room for both religious beliefs and scientific theory to coexist together, reflected according to each person's individual schema.
While it's true that animals may not possess the same capacity for love that humans are capable of expressing, I don't think it's fair to judge them on a topic that we are obviously incapable of really knowing for sure. Who is to say that their version of "love" or affection is any less genuine than our own, after all?
FYI - I respect the fact that other people have their own opinions on the matter and this post is not intended to persuade anyone, in any way. I am just expressing myself to those with similar beliefs, or anyone else with an interest in reading this post. Obvioulsy, everyone is completely entitled to their own beliefs on any topic expressed here, as there really are no proven right or wrong answers.
As a fellow Biology major (and current Science teacher), I completely agree with you on all counts! All sorts of behaviors originally "evolved" because of the benefits for individuals to cohabitate in a pack or complex social group. Emotional ties within family units and social groups help to strengthen the bonds that are necessary to the survival of the species.
Some people can be touchy about the idea of analyzing human behavior with regard to our "primitive" origins, but I find the subject both enlightening and commendable. I don't feel that accepting the notion of an evolutionary history as demeaning, but rather that it helps to remind us of our earliest connections with the world of life that exists around us. I, personally, feel that there is room for both religious beliefs and scientific theory to coexist together, reflected according to each person's individual schema.
While it's true that animals may not possess the same capacity for love that humans are capable of expressing, I don't think it's fair to judge them on a topic that we are obviously incapable of really knowing for sure. Who is to say that their version of "love" or affection is any less genuine than our own, after all?
FYI - I respect the fact that other people have their own opinions on the matter and this post is not intended to persuade anyone, in any way. I am just expressing myself to those with similar beliefs, or anyone else with an interest in reading this post. Obvioulsy, everyone is completely entitled to their own beliefs on any topic expressed here, as there really are no proven right or wrong answers.
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