Zebra approaches and waves happily. -I tried the Artificial Intelligence ChatGPT the other day. That was fun!
-Interesting! What did you want to know?
-I just wanted to test what is the state of the art, I mean, the state of knowledge about positioning animals and humans.
-And? Okapi asks curiously.
-So watch out, I was surprised. For example, I asked:
"Are humans more valuable than other living beings?" And the answer was:
As an AI language model, I don't have personal beliefs or opinions, but I can provide some information and perspectives on this topic. The question of whether humans are more worthy than other living beings is a complex and controversial one, with different philosophical, ethical, and religious perspectives providing different answers.
-Listen, Okapi interjects mockingly. -That sounds like an answer from a politician's interview. (declaiming) -It can be like that, but also quite different.
-Hold on, that's not all!, Zebra placates. -AI continued: From a scientific perspective, humans are certainly unique in many ways, such as having a highly developed brain and complex social structures. However, this does not necessarily mean that humans are more worthy than other living beings or that their lives have more inherent value.
Many ethical and philosophical perspectives argue that all living beings have intrinsic value and should be treated with respect and compassion, regardless of their species or level of intelligence. Some proponents of this perspective, such as animal rights activists, argue that animals have rights and should not be used for human purposes, such as food, clothing, or experimentation.
Other ethical and religious perspectives may place a greater emphasis on the value and importance of human life, often based on beliefs in the divine origin or unique purpose of humanity. Ultimately, the question of whether humans are more worthy than other living beings is a deeply personal and complex one, with different perspectives offering different answers.
-Why, that's still totally vague, grumbles Okapi.
-That's right, that's why I asked about it again, because it was too vague for me. So I said: Scientifically proven is also that animals have profound social skills and have some abilities that humans don't have. So humans are not as unique as the traditional anthropocentric canon implies.
And that's where AI agreed: You are correct. Scientific research has demonstrated that animals possess many complex social skills and abilities that were once thought to be uniquely human. For example, studies have shown that some animals, such as chimpanzees, dolphins, and elephants, are capable of using tools, solving problems, and even exhibiting empathy and altruism towards others.
Furthermore, recent research has revealed that animals have sophisticated communication systems and exhibit complex social behaviors, such as cooperation, conflict resolution, and social learning. These findings challenge the traditional anthropocentric view of humans as unique and superior beings, and highlight the diversity and complexity of life on Earth. It's important to recognize that humans are not the only species with advanced cognitive and social abilities, and that all living beings have inherent value and should be treated with respect and compassion.
Okapi nods. -Sounds reasonable, your new friend.
Zebra smiles. -Yes, I expressed my appreciation, too. Then what I wanted to know was how to get into implementation. So I asked: "So what are the ways to change human behavior and attitudes toward other living beings? Changes are necessary, also with regard to the chances of human survival. The progressive destruction of the forces of life will also have catastrophic consequences for humans. For example, in terms of climate change."
-AI said: Changing human behavior and attitudes towards other living beings is a complex and challenging task, but it is certainly possible with concerted effort and commitment.
One key strategy is education and awareness-raising, as many people may not fully understand the impact of their behavior on the environment and other living beings. Educating people about the importance of biodiversity, the interdependence of all living beings, and the consequences of human activities such as climate change can help to raise awareness and motivate people to take action.
Another strategy is to promote sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices, such as reducing consumption, conserving energy, and using renewable resources. This can help to reduce the impact of human activities on the environment and other living beings.
Additionally, policy and legislative changes can also play an important role in promoting sustainable practices and protecting the environment. Governments can pass laws and regulations that encourage sustainable practices, such as taxes on carbon emissions, restrictions on deforestation, and incentives for renewable energy. Finally, individual actions such as supporting conservation efforts, reducing meat consumption, and choosing environmentally-friendly products can also make a difference. Encouraging others to take action and promoting awareness through social media, community organizing, and other means can also help to shift attitudes and behaviors towards more sustainable and compassionate practices.
Overall, changing human behavior and attitudes towards other living beings is a long-term and ongoing process that requires individual and collective action, education, and policy changes. But by working together, we can create a more sustainable and compassionate world for all living beings, including humans.
-So you can say that AI is more intelligent than some humans, to provoke a bit here, Okapi says lightly.
-Well, AI is not an independent living being, but is equipped with an incredible amount of data from the collective intelligence. But the cool thing was that it clearly states that something has to change. Right now. For me it was like talking to an interactive encyclopedia, somehow. And the conversation went on much longer. But I'll tell you about that next time. The knowledge is there! You just have to apply it.
-I like the "just have to" part. Yes, I think that's good. Just leave out what doesn't fit anymore, Okapi muses. -Could work.