PUBLIC OPINION > Atheists Think Apes Can Outthink Humans; Christians, Not So Much
SodaHead News
2012/06/26 15:00:00
Scientists are investing an increasing amount of time and money into the study of animal cognition, and with nearly every new investment comes a new discovery. More and more, it's becoming apparent that we've been underestimating animals, and that's especially true with apes. Recently, studies have shown that there is only a 1.3% difference between human DNA and the DNA of a bonobo ape. We asked the public if apes could possibly outthink humans.
Believe it or not, this was a split decision. Maybe apes can outthink humans, after all. Some respondents did take this as an opportunity to joke about specific types of people, but there were plenty of serious believers. In fact, some suggested maybe other animals can outthink humans, too. Of course, it depends on the person as much as the animal. As many respondents were adamant that it's just not plausible.
Drinkers Don't Think So
Drinkers were a good 16% less likely to believe that apes can outthink humans. Interestingly enough, alcohol is one thing apes have in common with humans. Some species of monkey that have been exposed to alcohol not only enjoy the substance, but express as many attitudes toward alcohol as humans. Some just drink to relax, some become addicted, and some won't touch the stuff.
Atheists Are Convinced
In some ways, this poll is predisposed to intrigue some people, and turn others off. A major tenet of some religions, particularly western religions, is that humans were created special. On the other hand, a major tenet of science is that humans evolved directly from apes. Where you stand on that paradigm is likely to affect how you respond to the question.
Men Have No Faith in Monkeys
Men were a bit more reluctant to agree that apes could ever outthink humans, while women were a bit more willing. It could be that men have a little more pride in human achievement, or it could be that women can better see the flaws in human achievement. It's not a huge difference, though, so whatever the reason, it's of marginal value.
If you'd like to vote on this question, dig deeper into the demographics, or engage in existing discussion about the topic, visit our poll about apes. We'd love to hear from you!
Top Opinion
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volodymyr sereda sereda 2012/06/26 16:03:17
+14*Watches as the idiotic comments flood in, especially those attacking atheists for their beliefs.*
Atheists and agnostics, Jews and Mormons are among the highest-scoring groups in a 32-question survey of religious knowledge by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. On average, Americans got 16 of the 32 questions correct. Atheists and agnostics got an average of 20.9 correct answers. Jews (20.5) and Mormons (20.3). Protestants got 16 correct answers on average, while Catholics got 14.7 questions right
Several Gallup poll studies of the general population have shown that those with higher IQs tend not to believe in God.
I have the utmost respect for religion, but that's not even remotely demonstrable.
The mass similarities in DNA are actually proof that life has a common ancestor, just as one would expect a commonality among related creatures. The more different the DNA is, the earlier two organisms diverged from each other.
Second, 'microevolution' is just evolution. Scientists don't differentiate between macro and micro, it's all evolution, gradual change over time eventually yielding new species.
Third, we're not talking about tens of thousands of years, it's more in terms of tens of millions of years, if not more.
Fourth, the reason atheists, such as myself, gravitate towards the sciences is because having logic, reason and constant re-validation through physical, valid evidence is completely in line with how we formulate our own beliefs. It's like asking a math teacher why they believe in 2+2 equaling 4, or Pi equaling 3.14159 and so on.
And finally, Charles Darwin never retracted any of his theories, nor did his children, nor did his grand children. He continued refining his theories up until his illness which led to his death, and all of these stories of deathbed conversions and redacting theories are at best fabrications, if not attempts at slander and libel. Numerous members of his family continued his researc...
The mass similarities in DNA are actually proof that life has a common ancestor, just as one would expect a commonality among related creatures. The more different the DNA is, the earlier two organisms diverged from each other.
Second, 'microevolution' is just evolution. Scientists don't differentiate between macro and micro, it's all evolution, gradual change over time eventually yielding new species.
Third, we're not talking about tens of thousands of years, it's more in terms of tens of millions of years, if not more.
Fourth, the reason atheists, such as myself, gravitate towards the sciences is because having logic, reason and constant re-validation through physical, valid evidence is completely in line with how we formulate our own beliefs. It's like asking a math teacher why they believe in 2+2 equaling 4, or Pi equaling 3.14159 and so on.
And finally, Charles Darwin never retracted any of his theories, nor did his children, nor did his grand children. He continued refining his theories up until his illness which led to his death, and all of these stories of deathbed conversions and redacting theories are at best fabrications, if not attempts at slander and libel. Numerous members of his family continued his research and helped continue to build the knowledge of evolution, in addition to mentoring more evolutionary biologists.
It's perfectly wrong to disagree over matters of opinion, but a lack of understanding of the facts of what you're attacking is unacceptable. Plus, ending with your remark on April Fools Day just shows pleasure in ignorance.
Have a nice day.
reply's. When I busted his ASS he finely shut his mouth UP!!! Total HYPOCRITE!!!
So bottom line. YES, Apes can out think Atheists. Good question tho. Thank God
I'm a Christian...
If the ape is thinking at all, it is outthinking Christians, for one, by default. Sorry.
Just because some jerk makes a stupid statement does not make it so.
Albert E. felt sorry for people who could imagine the edge of the universe and not acknowledge GOD...me too !!
What Chukroast probably doesn't know is that not only is the average ape smarter than the average four year old, but they can also converse fluently with each and teach each other sign language. (An adapted version of ASL... I believe her name was Daisy if I remember correctly and taught her son that if he didn't behave the big black dog would come and get him.. or something along those lines).
Truthfully I'm of the opposite side of the argument I think that Humans out perform apes but only later on in their development, of course Apes are on average better at memory games than us lot, but not necessarily as quick as us when it comes to art, languages or mathematics.
Secondly, as has been demonstrated by the clip above they could easily be taught how to use a cell phone. GPS might be somewhat more tricky.
Apes can and do build but they have zero interest in building upwards or leaving the ground.