Discuss the belief that we are material things, though some philosophers still argue we are material "non-organisms" rather than animals. 3. Psychology: The "Denial of Death"
Contrast the idea that we are animals with "Lockeanism," which argues we are rational, conscious beings defined by psychological continuity rather than biology. We Are Animals
Analyze how we treat other animals as "tools" or "commodities" to maintain a psychological barrier between "us" and "them". 4. Societal Impacts and Ethics What Does it Mean to Say That We Are Animals? Discuss the belief that we are material things,
While humans are biologically classified as animals, our language, culture, and social structures often exist in defiance of this identity. Analyze how we treat other animals as "tools"
Introduce the philosophical view that we are identical to our animal bodies—a theory that suggests we are material organisms first and foremost. 2. The Philosophy of Identity