:This discussion is closed, unless you want to contribute to our [[Debate Topics]]s.
:This discussion is closed, unless you want to contribute to our [[Debate Topics]]s.
+
+
::You acknowledge that the human body is mammalian - ie, that we are mammals. Mammals are one of many subsets of the kingdom ''animalia''. Yes, we differ from every other animal in some very important ways. But, for the purposes of describing the physical and biological nature of human beings, being multicellular and eukaryotic is of more fundamental importance than our intelligence, cultural achievements, ethics, or anything else.
+
+
::It is regrettable that you conflate the meanings of ''animal'' as a neutral term for certain types of organisms, ''animal'' as a colloquial term for non-human animals, and ''animal'' as a pejorative description for a human being who acts upon their most base impulses. As a piece of scientific terminology, no such negative connotations are intended.
+
+
::Couldn't the article have the standard scientific meaning of ''animal'', and then state that "colloquially, however, 'animal' is usually taken to mean any non-human animal...etc"? [[User:Eoinc|Eoinc]] 18:37, 16 January 2010 (EST)