.@rickygervais No, we're programs very unlike those in apes. By the DNA criterion of closeness, we're much closer to dead bodies or spittle.
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Replying to @DavidDeutschOxf
@DavidDeutschOxf So what you're saying is we share more DNA with other dead humans than we do with apes. Yes. I'd agree. But why say it?4 replies 2 retweets 16 likes -
Replying to @rickygervais
@rickygervais Because it illustrates that that's a bad criterion of closeness. Our *brains* are much like apes'. We people—programs—aren't.4 replies 7 retweets 7 likes -
Replying to @DavidDeutschOxf
@DavidDeutschOxf But it's interesting that we are "closer" in terms of evolutionary time to Chimps than they are to gorillas. Isn't it?4 replies 1 retweet 12 likes -
Replying to @rickygervais
@rickygervais It's interesting that our species is. But WE are minds. Calling our species 'we' is anthropomorphic and terribly misleading.5 replies 1 retweet 6 likes -
Replying to @DavidDeutschOxf
@DavidDeutschOxf Honest question: Would you refer to Homo sapiens in the third person, as "they"? ("We" seems a forgivable metonym.)1 reply 0 retweets 0 likes -
Replying to @KevinSimler
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@KevinSimler Depends what the discussion is about. In context of evolution v creationism, we= H sapiens or we=vertebrates &c is fine. 1/21 reply 0 retweets 1 like -
Replying to @DavidDeutschOxf
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@KevinSimler But in considering what humans have in common with apes, it's a pernicious misconception. See http://nautil.us/issue/7/waste/not-merely-the-finest-tv-documentary-series-ever-made … 2/22 replies 0 retweets 5 likes -
Replying to @DavidDeutschOxf
@DavidDeutschOxf I appreciate universality, but see many of our quirks/biases arising from our ape/animal nature. Can't I have both?1 reply 0 retweets 0 likes -
Replying to @KevinSimler
@DavidDeutschOxf Laughter is perhaps the best example. It's not a "universal" feature, just something we happen to share with other apes.2 replies 0 retweets 1 like
@DavidDeutschOxf (Not trying to pick a fight, btw. I *love* your worldview. Just trying to understand the line you're drawing.)
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Replying to @KevinSimler
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@KevinSimler Key is to try to explain huge *differences* between humans & other animals. The similarities play no role in that explanation.2 replies 0 retweets 5 likes - 1 more reply
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