Response to Becky

First off, I will say that Becky's entry was masterfully written and nicely thought through. Hence my response to it. I think it continues to pose that ever-looming question that has plagued our readings this week: species over the broad spectrum? Becky takes this one step further in asking if it is possible to abandon such a feeling or desire. And on top of that, is it selfishness to continue to adhere to such a strategy? To the latter, I say it is not possible. And to the other, I say it is not selfish. Allow me to explain.

In all species, from the grasshopper to the human male or female, there is an innate instinct to survive. We have outlined this several times, including how it can be differently expressed across the board. How else would evolution be a functioning theory? Natural selection has worked its way through the years, with things ranging from species to empires fading away. And yet in each case, survival has been the goal. Build a building to last. Train the lion cub to hunt. Raise the child to live a long life. These are all different scenarios, all with the same desire: survival.


You can't beat or train that out of someone. Short of insanity, it's a characteristic bound within all species. Even plant life can be said to adhere to it. But I will not make the Defense of Plants here. Without such an instinct, I don't truly think anything would live on. Evolution would stop and the world would die out. And finally having watched Life After People will have paid off somewhat. But I digress.

I also go out on a limb, but I believe a fairly firm one, when I say that it is not selfish. Rather, I think you have to look at the context of the actions. Kill the dog to save my child and perpetuate the human race? Or bulldoze the swamp to put up a shopping center? Now both are selfish. But only one is selfless. I think the point speaks for itself.

So no, I don't think we can let specie-bias go. In fact, I think we must keep it in order to survive. But I think we must judge every action we take in the terms of the moment. And we must ask ourselves: is this selfish or selfless? There is your true question.