We are not special snowflakes.

 In this week's readings, Aristotle claims that the one distinguishable difference between humans and all other life on Earth is our capacity for reason. Ultimately, it is this ability to rationalize our world that allows humans to arrive at a "state that makes a human being good and makes him perform his function well"(39). By doing well repeatedly, a person becomes virtuous, and in virtue true happiness is found. 

As discussed in class, this notion that humans are the only species capable of reason is quite hard to prove due to the lack of ability to communicate with other species; however, I believe that observations of certain species have already proven the rationality of other animals, although at a more basic level. For example, the organized social structure and complex body language used by wolves displays the ability of other species to analyze and make logical decisions based on their situation and also to organize themselves to better benefit the pack. While the wolves may not be philosophizing about whether it’s morally right to chase down a baby fawn, it is clear by preexisting observations that wolves analyze their situation and form judgments on what the best response will be for themselves as well as their pack.  Other such cases of animal rationality can be found with dolphins, primates, and a variety of other animals. 

Overall, whether you believe in the rationality of other animals depends entirely on your own definition of reason. Therefore, what is your basis of a rational being?  Are there any other characteristics uniquely human, or are we just trying to cling to falsehoods because we don't like being compared to stinky animals? Personally, I believe humans are no different from animals in any way, there is not a single defining characteristic uniquely human, and that there is no discernible evidence to convince me otherwise.  In other words, prove me wrong.