Steven MithenIt is because of this notion [of species essence] that we demand that a severely brain-damaged person should have the same rights as a university professor, or a physically disabled person the same rights as an Olympian sportsman. They are all 'human', whatever their intellectual and physical abilities.
About This Quote
Perhaps, the most dangerous notion is the idea that we humans can be divided into species and that we can set different rights and needs for each species. It is dangerous because, if we start dividing and categorizing people, we will then be able to justify inequality and discrimination against those with disabilities. We cannot afford to treat people differently because, as we all know, difference is not a good thing. People with disabilities should be treated as the same as everyone else, whether they are little or big.
Source: The Prehistory Of The Mind: The Cognitive Origins Of Art, Religion And Science
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