Animal Altruism vs Conscience

[Tybourne]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altruism_in_animals

Hi, I’m debating someone on YouTube. He argues that evolution means that the Church and God are unnecessary. I’m arguing that conscience indicates that we are not the same as other animals and that we need revelation and the Church to help us live up the moral questions our conscience raises. His reply is that examples of animal altruism mean that there is no difference between humans and other animals. What arguments could I put forward against this position? (I already have some in mind, but am hoping for some more).

 

[tonyrey]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altruism_in_animals

Hi, I’m debating someone on YouTube. He argues that evolution means that the Church and God are unnecessary. I’m arguing that conscience indicates that we are not the same as other animals and that we need revelation and the Church to help us live up the moral questions our conscience raises. His reply is that examples of animal altruism mean that there is no difference between humans and other animals. What arguments could I put forward against this position? (I already have some in mind, but am hoping for some more).

1. Why don’t we take animals to court?
2. Can animals choose to act in accordance with a moral principle?
3. Is there evidence that animals can distinguish good from evil?
4. Can animals choose to sacrifice themselves for others they have never known?
5. What evidence is there that animals can force themselves to do something which is against all their instincts and conditioning?

 

[Just_Lurking]

The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, which although online is a recognized, scholarly work, has the following articles which may help:

Animal Consciousness (see here)

Animal Cognition (see here)

Moral Status of Animals (see here)