In the second paragraph on the first page (93), it reads:
"...the world is various and diverse; for it consists of rational beings, and others more divine, and of bodies of different kinds; and besides these, of dumb animals, that is, wild beasts, cattle, birds and all creatures that live in water..."
I am confused as to why he used the term "dumb animals". Why couldnt he just use "animals" instead of adding dumb as a description? Everyone knows that humans are smarter than animals but that dost make them dumb in general. Not trying to sound like a nature freak or animal rights activist or anything, I'm just curious as to why he used that specific wording.
I think he may just be referring to how animals are not really thinking beings like humans. Maybe he is trying to really distinguish between the two.
ReplyDeleteIt is strange to use that specific word. There are quite a few animals that have a fair deal of intelligence, when compared to humans. Perhaps it was to be fully sure of the distinction between Man and animals?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Hannah on this. When I read that quote I just thought he was just saying animals can't think and speak, and interact like humans can. This makes them dumb because they do not entirely understand the things that they do.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the others in that the wording was probably used to emphasize the distinction between man and beast.
ReplyDelete"Dumb" is a reference to the fact that they are not rational... not that they have no intelligence, just a lack of rationality...
ReplyDeleteHe isn't insulting the animals, he is just pointing out that they aren't rational like humans are.
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