DSE212 TMA 06
There has been much debate and research undertaken by scientists and psychologists in order to ascertain whether there are qualitative differences between humans and animals. This essay will discuss some of the communication methods that animals use and whether these are comparable to human traits. In addition, it will be necessary to explore further whether humans are in possession of any distinctive characteristics which result in uniqueness. Furthermore, this essay will also consider the significance of the evolutionary process and conclude whether humans are indeed fundamentally different or alternatively merely a more sophisticated and advanced type of animal.
Within today’s society, language is a means of advanced communication between individuals, thus allowing them to attend to, emphasise with and understand others (Clegg, 2002). People communicate in a variety of social settings using theory of mind to think about and create meaning on a constant basis (Cooper and Kane, 2002). In addition, the use of language also allows humans to exchange ideas, self-express, and create complex social structures. Although humans might believe that their communication skills are superior there is evidence to suggest that animals also make use of a communication system through ‘complex ways’ (Cooper et al, p. 75).
For example, honeybees can convey important information about the geographical distance and direction of food sources. (Cooper et al, 2002). They are able to do this by communicating with other group members using two different types of dance movements to convey different meanings. They will use a round dance if they have found food within 50 metres of the hive and a wiggle dance if the location is in a more remote location. Additionally, it was discovered during an experiment (Kirschner and Towne, 1994) that the bees who displayed this behaviour, had to also make a sound with their wings in order for the communication to be completely effective. Another
Within today’s society, language is a means of advanced communication between individuals, thus allowing them to attend to, emphasise with and understand others (Clegg, 2002). People communicate in a variety of social settings using theory of mind to think about and create meaning on a constant basis (Cooper and Kane, 2002). In addition, the use of language also allows humans to exchange ideas, self-express, and create complex social structures. Although humans might believe that their communication skills are superior there is evidence to suggest that animals also make use of a communication system through ‘complex ways’ (Cooper et al, p. 75).
For example, honeybees can convey important information about the geographical distance and direction of food sources. (Cooper et al, 2002). They are able to do this by communicating with other group members using two different types of dance movements to convey different meanings. They will use a round dance if they have found food within 50 metres of the hive and a wiggle dance if the location is in a more remote location. Additionally, it was discovered during an experiment (Kirschner and Towne, 1994) that the bees who displayed this behaviour, had to also make a sound with their wings in order for the communication to be completely effective. Another