An Intelligent Debate There has been an ongoing debate between scientists and philosophers concerning the potential of nonhuman animal intelligence. This essay will provide a brief view of both sides most compelling arguments. Many philosophers, such as Rene Descartes , believe that nonhuman animals are thoughtless creatures of instinct and reflex. Descartes argues that speech is definitive of thought. The lack of speech such as in nonhumans, he believed, is proof that humans are the only …showed first 75 words of 529 total…

…showed last 75 words of 529 total…be flawed. Such research is a substantial piece in the argument sustaining nonhuman animal intelligence. There is much to be said on both sides of this dispute. This country, whether consciously or not, is currently supporting a lack of animal intelligence. If we were to prove such a case there could be substantial implications in factory farming fields, animal experimentation, and others. Until that time (and most likely after as well), the debate will continue.