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Dog Philosophy 101: Do dogs have a soul?
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Heart and soul?
One evening; on a dog training call, a client asked if dog's have a soul. If yes, do they go on to an afterlife as we do? Some of our greatest thinkers -- Aristotle, Plato and Thomas Aquinas have been obsessed with this question for thousands of years. Before delving into this delicate subject, first, what is the human definition of the soul? In many religions and parts of philosophy, the soul is the immaterial or eternal part of a person. It is usually thought to consist of one's thoughts and personality, and can be synonymous with the spirit, mind or self.
According to Buddhist belief, the human soul is created around 40 days after conception. Must the spirit of the soul even be human? Do these remarkable creatures have consciences? Do they possess free will and reason? Do they have a sense of self, or an existence in the spirit world? Do dogs shape their own lives? Or are we projecting onto them traits we want and need those to have, allowing ourselves to be manipulated into trading food and shelter for what we see as unconditional love? Questions, questions.
I believe all living creatures have a Life-force within them. It is plausible dogs have a conscience. I believe my dog knows right from wrong. However, the question is this behavior learned or instinct? Perhaps the soul of the animal isn't as developed as the human soul. Could also, the perception of time be a factor in the development of the soul?
What about Animism? Wikipedia explains this as, generally accepted that "animism" refers to the belief that non-human entities, such as animals and plants, as well as inanimate (spiritless) objects such as rocks, can have souls.
Many in society frown on these questions. What do you think? I'd like to hear your thoughts!
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Photo: Flickr free use photos (via Tallent Show)
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