Theories of Human Uniqueness

This course addresses the question, "In what ways, if any, are humans categorically different from other animals?" The past few decades of research with nonhuman animals have revealed the deep evolutionary roots of many of our human cognitive abilities, surprising both scientists and lay observers with (e.g.) sophisticated animal communication systems and prosocial behaviors. That said, there are still many theories about the ways in which humans are unique within the animal kingdom, ranging from language to religion. This course reviews these theories of human uniqueness and evaluates whether any constitute a categorical difference between human and nonhuman animals.