How Animals Match and Surpass Human Intelligence: Debunking Pseudointellectual Arguments
Quora has recently seen a rise in pseudointellectuals claiming that animals are just as smart as humans. While these claims may seem intriguing, they fail to hold up under scientific scrutiny. Understanding the science of animal intelligence reveals that our old notions of "stupid" animals are largely based on our own lack of understanding and ability to comprehend certain realities.
Challenges in Defining Intelligence
It's important to note that the term "smart" is not a scientific term. It often carries subjective connotations and can be misleading when discussing intelligence. The scientific community has made considerable progress in understanding intelligence, but our perceptions and beliefs about what constitutes intelligence have evolved relatively recently. In the past, intelligence was often attributed to societal roles or group characteristics, such as the misguided belief that queens and aristocrats were innately more intelligent, or that black people and women were intellectually inferior. These outdated views are as problematic as demanding a horse to outrun a human or asking a fish to swim as fast as a human.
Challenging the Traditional View of Intelligence
Research into animal intelligence has revealed that many creatures possess remarkable abilities. For instance, the intelligence of dolphins and whales has often been underestimated. Their brains, which are heavily wrinkled (a sign of intelligence), contain specific complex areas that are even more developed in some animals compared to humans for similar areas. This suggests that our old ideas of "stupid" animals are largely based on our own lack of understanding or our inability to comprehend certain realities.
In the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, it humorously points out that once humans realized the intelligence of dolphins, they began to view themselves as less smart. Yet, this idea is not just a comedic exaggeration. Dolphins have been known to outthink humans and even manipulate their environment. Similarly, octopuses, known for their short lifespans, exhibit high intelligence and problem-solving skills. Various birds, elephants, whales, and orcas are also recognized for their complex cognitive functions and emotional intelligence.
Chimpanzees: The Most Intelligent Animals
The world's smartest animal is often hailed as the chimpanzee. These primates are renowned for their ability to manipulate the environment to solve problems and work out how to use tools effectively. They have even been known to outwit human beings, making genuine contributions to the field of animal cognition.
The Elephant: Intelligence Meets Emotion
The elephant stands out not only for its cognitive skills but also for its emotional intelligence. These massive creatures can distinguish between several human languages and have an average emotional quotient (EQ) of 1.88, placing them well ahead of many other animals. Their EQ is even higher than some humans, with an average EQ ranging from 2.14 for Asian elephants to 1.67 for African elephants.
Comparing Human and Animal Intelligence
Comparing the intelligence of animals to humans can reveal remarkable differences and similarities. Humans lead the pack with an average EQ of 7.4 to 7.8, followed closely by dolphins at around 5, chimpanzees at 2.2 to 2.5, and squirrel monkeys at roughly 2.3. Despite these impressive figures, it's crucial to note that animals cannot write books or perform complex surgeries. However, their intelligence can still be impressive and inspiring.
Given the proven intelligence of these animals, demanding that they perform tasks beyond their natural capabilities is unjustified. Cetaceans, particularly whales and dolphins, are also large-brained mammals that have evolved to live in aquatic environments, often viewing humans as one of them, despite some humans still committing harmful acts such as hunting them for shark bait or sushi.
In conclusion, while animals do not write medical textbooks or perform human-specific professions, their intelligence is undeniable and multifaceted. Recognizing and valuing this intelligence can foster a better understanding and respect for non-human species, ultimately leading to more harmonious coexistence.