Are Humans Animals?

Classifying humans as animals can be very controversial in some circles, but this is often because few look beyond terms like "human" and "animal" to specific concepts and then evaluate those concepts in accordance with reason.  Whether one groups humans with other biological creatures and calls the entire group animals will inevitably hinge on the concepts attached to each word, and thus, like all uses of language, the issue is a matter of intent.  Of course, some people are so emotionalistic about the subject that they assume regarding humans as animals must be degrading before they either reflect on the notion themselves or ask those who make the claim for clarification.

Whether one can prove the notion that humans are animals solely depends on what concept is intended behind a given use of the word.  If someone means to refer to non-human creatures, then of course humans are not animals; to equate the two in this context is inherently contradictory.  At the same time, if something broader than this is intended, it is also just as conceptually valid to consider humans just one animal among many.  As with all uses of language, words like human and animal are mere constructs meant to convey concepts, and it is concepts and beliefs that are either true or false.  An unwillingness to see past words never philosophically benefits anyone.

If the word animal is used to refer to all biological creatures, especially creatures from earth, then humans, lions, whales, and many other species equally belong in the category of animal.  Even when animals are defined to include every macroscopic creature on the planet, humans still possess traits that set them apart from other living things, at least on an outward level.  Perhaps other animals have the same intellectual capacity that humans do, even if there is absolutely no evidence for it, but there is also no evidence whatsoever that non-human species can claim any of the outward achievements of human civilization.

Thus, the automatically hostile reaction from some Christians towards the idea that humans are animals is asinine.  There is no contradiction in affirming both human exceptionalism and the idea that humans are themselves animals.  In this context, human exceptionalism simply means that humans stand out among the plethora of animals that can be observed.  A comitted Christian does not betray Christianity by calling humans the most metaphysically unique kind of animal because this is exactly what Biblical theology teaches.

It is obvious that the Bible elevates humans over other creatures to the point of giving men and women joint dominion over the animal kingdom (Genesis 1:28), yet, of course, this is not a basis for animal cruelty.  The Biblical deity distinctly cares about the animals he created, even if they do not share the divine image all humans bear (Genesis 1:26-27).  Calling humans animals is never problematic by default.  Likewise, recognizing the superior outward accomplishments and abilities of humankind is not philosophically problematic in any way.  Assumptions, erroneous stances, and inconsistent beliefs about the nature of humans and other animals are the problem.