Thread: The conscious perception of aniamls

Originally Posted by Tamias

P.S., to the above remark: I despise study; often it inhibits truth, especially when studying others. You can never know what another thinks; it is physically impossible and an amazing breach of privacy. Logical arguments, or romantic arguments (all of my views originate from experience and the heart) are preferable, to me. On another note, that Wikipedia article in question I've read many, many times - so many I've practically memorized it ^_^

Oh, believe me; I don't disagree with you.

However, just like with all subjective opinions, I feel that it is important to give studies at least some level of acknowledgement(sp). The scientists are people, just like we are people. No one should hinge their opinion of anything on the results of any study or scientist's opinion. However, they do create good references. Many of the scientists that create studies do so from a very personal, subjective perspective. In that regard, their perspectives are just as personal as our own observations with our pets. The links above simply pose as a way to get insight into the logic of others which may or may not support the things we believe (which is exactly why I posted two opposing viewpoints).

We can be against certain scientific perspectives, but not against "study" itself. After all, it is "study" that renders us able to make an observation about even the pets that we have. We study their actions and reactions, albeit on a much more personal level.

Moonbeam: No problem.

You guys... are awesome! You're nothing like the people I normally talk to! I'm serious, wow!

Just... kudos xD.

I agree with you, O (I am not typing oneironaut... whoops). I phrased my statement badly, and you are correct ^_^

~Tamias

Originally Posted by Tamias

Alright, this is a good first post for me ^_^ Hey everyone, I'm Tamias the Ground Squirrel, and you guys are arguing about something that's very important to me!

You're a squirrel?!!

Since when are squirrels on the internet?!

Originally Posted by Tamias

I agree with you, and you are correct ^_^

~Tamias

So you admit when it comes down to it animals are simpler beings than us, cognitively speaking?

Originally Posted by Carôusoul

You're a squirrel?!!

Since when are squirrels on the internet?!

Since we stopped using AOL. Any more questions?

Originally Posted by Carôusoul

So you admit when it comes down to it animals are simpler beings than us, cognitively speaking?

I was actually referring to his statement about study ^_^ And yeah, that's probably true too, but there's no way you can absolutely prove and it wouldn't vastly change our lives if you did.

~Tamias

Originally Posted by Tamias

Since we stopped using AOL. Any more questions?

Are we talking about the same, small furry mammals.

Its news to me they even were on AOL. I thought they lived in trees.

Or am I missing something here...

Originally Posted by Tamias

I was actually referring to his statement about study ^_^ And yeah, that's probably true too, but there's no way you can absolutely prove and it wouldn't vastly change our lives if you did.

Are there not scientific neurological tests proving they are more simple? Combined with their behaviour?

Correct me if I'm wrong, btw.

We are small and furry. I was joking about using AOL. I live with a very good friend who happens to have a very nice Sony Vaio with access to the internet (Cox highspeed), and yes, he is aware I use it. I am a freak, an exception to the norm. k?

It depends what you mean by "scientific" and "neurological." Anything that has to do with the study of the brain is a touchy, hazy subject, and as of now nothing is very well defined. We know, for a fact, that most animals' brains are smaller than a human's, though children learn much more rapidly and completely than adults do, and they have smaller brains. Most tests that have been applied have only helped the case of the existence of animal thought, cognition, and emotive capacity - I do not ever remember a test specifically designed to test whether an animal is lesser in any of these traits than a human.

For the record, I am opposed to any sort of testing - on non-humans and humans alike.

~Tamias

Originally Posted by Tamias

We are small and furry. I was joking about using AOL. I live with a very good friend who happens to have a very nice Sony Vaio with access to the internet (Cox highspeed), and yes, he is aware I use it. I am a freak, an exception to the norm. k?

It depends what you mean by "scientific" and "neurological." Anything that has to do with the study of the brain is a touchy, hazy subject, and as of now nothing is very well defined. We know, for a fact, that most animals' brains are smaller than a human's, though children learn much more rapidly and completely than adults do, and they have smaller brains. Most tests that have been applied have only helped the case of the existence of animal thought, cognition, and emotive capacity - I do not ever remember a test specifically designed to test whether an animal is lesser in any of these traits than a human.

For the record, I am opposed to any sort of testing - on non-humans and humans alike.

~Tamias

Your not a proper squirrel then.



Dream gone.


Well essentially animals behaviour is far more simplistic.


What on earth is wrong with testing? I'm happy to test myself, by giving myself puzzles!

I am happy to test my dog by giving him puzzles!


What's wrong with testing? I mean perfectly humane testing of course.

Animal behavior is patterned, but intricate. Humans follow patterns everyday as well; they'd die if they don't.

If using the internet makes me not a proper squirrel, then all of you are equally not proper humans - no offense meant.

Testing oneself is fine, intriguing, and beneficial. Removing any creature from its own life to experiment upon for your own purposes is selfish, humane or otherwise.

And, on a side note, I just realized how funny the thread title is ^_^

~Tamias

Originally Posted by Tamias

Animal behavior is patterned, but intricate. Humans follow patterns everyday as well; they'd die if they don't.

If using the internet makes me not a proper squirrel, then all of you are equally not proper humans - no offense meant.

Testing oneself is fine, intriguing, and beneficial. Removing any creature from its own life to experiment upon for your own purposes is selfish, humane or otherwise.

And, on a side note, I just realized how funny the thread title is ^_^

~Tamias

Proper squirrells don't speak english, and hence cannot learn english, because their voice box isn't adapted in such a way, nor their ears.

So you are not a squirrell.



Yes. Dead animal testing is wrong, I think. Although not if it finds a cure for say, AID's. Greater good.



I just find humans immensely superior to animals.

Actually, English is very easy to pick up. Just like young children, our minds are incredibly absorbent, and while I suppose being able to speak the language might help, we are more than capable of learning the meanings of human sound and symbols. I'm not quite sure what you mean by our ears not being adapted...?

If you cure AIDS and cancer, the human race will quickly die out, or at least be seriously hurt. Want to know why? You could just wait and see, I suppose.

And everyone is entitled to their opinion. I know many people like you; one of my very best friends shares your views. We are not simple creatures, not in the slightest, and you just take us for granted. I have never met another squirrel who suggests that he is superior in any way to a human, and therein lies the core of this entire argument.

~Tamias

Originally Posted by Tamias

I have never met another squirrel who suggests that he is superior in any way to a human

Squirrels are not complex enough to have delusions of grandeur.

Originally Posted by Universal Mind

Squirrels are not complex enough to have delusions of grandeur.

Precisely! Thank you! Okay, I'm done with this thread ^_^ Best to keep my spirits up. Nice work on all sides, this round's on me (they say that in movies)!

Tamias out~

You sound like a furry. 0.o

Squirrels are aliens planted on Earth to send information back to their mothership. They know a lot more than you think.

Has anyone ever seen a baby squirrel? Or a baby pigeon for that matter?

Originally Posted by Mes Tarrant

Has anyone ever seen a baby squirrel? Or a baby pigeon for that matter?

Yes, I have, both.
Really, being an old country folk, I have seen most baby animals.
Indigenous to my area of coarse.

Pigeons look a lot the same. They are cute all the way thru.
Squirrels amaze me. They are a big rat. But because they have a bushy tale, people love them

rats!

Originally Posted by Howie

Yes, I have, both.
Really, being an old country folk, I have seen most baby animals.
Indigenous to my area of coarse.

Pigeons look a lot the same. They are cute all the way thru.
Squirrels amaze me. They are a big rat. But because they have a bushy tale, people love them

rats!

Well, I enjoy a rat's company as well as the next rat's company. They don't smell nearly as bad as more popular pets. And the tail makes all the difference, ya. I'd like to see a rat keep you warm at night.

And pigeons are adorable - the sounds they make are so endearing! I had one nest in a little compartment above the front porch door I used to go to, and it never was mean to me at all. I don't see why people hate them so much. Then again, I don't know why people seem to dislike squirrels so much, either. We're only pests because you have easy food! Whose fault is it, really?

~Tamias

Concious perception of aniamls? Um...make great furr coats. Kidding, on a more serious note. I know that dogs/cats don't view us as what we call "human". They see us as members of their pack (at least I know dogs do). And for every pack, there is a dominant leader...either you are the dominant leader, someone else, or they are. It would be very interesting to see how pets consciously perceive things and to find out what really goes on in that head of there's.

Ha, interesting! I've seen neither! Do baby squirrels look the same, just smaller?

I don't understand why some people are afraid of mice/rats the way they would be afraid of really weird lookin' bugs. I don't think there's anything that's not an insect that grosses me out.

Originally Posted by Mes Tarrant

Ha, interesting! I've seen neither! Do baby squirrels look the same, just smaller?

HA! I freaking wish they were like that. No, for the most part (like the majority of rodent babies) squirrels don't develop fur/smell/vision/etc. until a few weeks after they are born. Some people find baby squirrels and mice disgusting, but I don't know... I find myself, some nights, yearning to have something to comfort. It's a trying emotion.

Originally Posted by Carôusoul

You sound like a furry. 0.o

At first, I was just going to type, "well yeah, I'm a squirrel. Squirrels are generally furry. Gets us much public appeal," but Ben said that's not what you meant. ...What exactly did you mean?

~Tamias

Ok..it's been eating at me for too long, and I have to ask:

Tamias...why is it that you refer to yourself as a squirrel?

(and please, with all due respect to my own intelligence, don't give me answer that basically amounts to "because I am." )

Originally Posted by Mes Tarrant

Ha, interesting! I've seen neither! Do baby squirrels look the same, just smaller?

They are extremely cute, and fearless. If they get out of the nest, they will come right up to you.

Originally Posted by Oneironaut

Ok..it's been eating at me for too long, and I have to ask:

Tamias...why is it that you refer to yourself as a squirrel?

Let me guess first. He has a pet squirrel. He really likes his squirrel.