Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Pigs are substantially more intelligent than dogs. Pigs are almost as intelligent as primates. This subject ultimately comes down to utility. Until recently horses were far more valuable than dogs and horses are incredibly stupid.


> horses are incredibly stupid

I thought horses were supposed to be smart, but TV may have influenced my thinking...

> As actor Alan Young recounted: "It was initially done by putting a piece of nylon thread in his mouth. But Ed actually learned to move his lips on cue when the trainer touched his hoof. In fact, he soon learned to do it when I stopped talking during a scene! Ed was very smart."


Would you say intelligence is the most important factor when determining whether it is ethical to cause suffering? Is it more ethical to cause suffering to an unintelligent person, like a toddler, than an intelligent one?


I don’t like to cause suffering to anything. I am that weak weirdo that will capture flies and spider with napkins and release them outside.

Weak is not the best word. Soft is probably a better description.




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: