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Demi-gods or superchimps? : philosophical examination of the concept of human beings as demi-gods or superchimps

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dc.contributor.advisor Ramose, Mogobe B.
dc.contributor.author Davis-Armitage, Felicity Patricia
dc.date.accessioned 2009-09-29T07:43:04Z
dc.date.available 2009-09-29T07:43:04Z
dc.date.issued 2008
dc.identifier.citation Davis-Armitage, Felicity Patricia (2008) Demi-gods or superchimps? : philosophical examination of the concept of human beings as demi-gods or superchimps, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/2620> en
dc.identifier.uri http://hdl.handle.net/10500/2620
dc.description.abstract Chance events began with the Big Bang and influenced all subsequent evolutionary processes, including the genesis and evolution of biological life. The complex and versatile human brain has come to dominate the environment. Self-awareness generated the idea of spiritual identity and survival beyond death. The assumption of demi-god status gave sanctity and dignity to humans, a moral separation that justified the exploitation of other animals. But evolution has a common origin, fleshed out in the biological similarities of all mammals, including humans. Neurological and biochemical correlates suggest the omnipresence of consciousness and self-consciousness at levels that vary according to nervous system complexity. Accepting a more inclusive morality does not diminish the value of human life. It acknowledges their power to adapt to changing conditions. Human survival depends on change and human lives can only benefit from a more inclusive worldview that considers the welfare of all sentient beings and the sustainability of a shared environment. en
dc.format.medium 1 online resource (139 leaves)
dc.language.iso en en
dc.subject Superchimps en
dc.subject Demi-gods en
dc.subject Human evolution en
dc.subject Biological life en
dc.subject Spiritual identity en
dc.subject Self-consciousness en
dc.subject.ddc 116
dc.subject.lcsh Evaluation -- Philosophy
dc.subject.lcsh Metaphysics
dc.subject.lcsh Self (Philosophy)
dc.title Demi-gods or superchimps? : philosophical examination of the concept of human beings as demi-gods or superchimps en
dc.type Dissertation en
dc.description.department Philosophy and Systematic Theology
dc.description.degree M.A. (Philosophy)


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