The Wisdom of animals in intelligence Reason and Ethics

Plutarch’s reflections on animals’ intelligence and morality reveal not only his philosophical depth but also his keen observation of the natural world, forming a cornerstone of his ethical discourse. In works such as Whether Land or Sea Animals Are Cleverer, That Brute Animals Make Use of Reason, and On Eating Meat, he examines the capacities of animals and their implications for human ethics. By exploring themes of rationality, emotional depth, and the morality of human actions toward animals, Plutarch contributes to a broader intellectual tradition that spans ancient Greek thought and resonates with later philosophical developments during the Golden Age and beyond.

In Whether Land or Sea Animals Are Cleverer, Plutarch considers the ingenuity of animals across environments, emphasizing that both terrestrial and aquatic creatures exhibit adaptability suited to their ecological niches. He underscores this through examples of their problem-solving abilities, cooperation, and foresight. For instance, he describes how birds and mammals construct homes, store food, or evade predators with remarkable precision, while sea creatures demonstrate similar adaptability in their underwater habitats. Modern ethological studies reinforce Plutarch’s observations. Crows solving multi-step puzzles, dolphins using sponges to protect their snouts while foraging, and octopuses escaping enclosures echo his claims about the universal intelligence of animals. Plutarch’s philosophical curiosity here reflects a broader ancient fascination with the natural world, reminiscent of Aristotle’s History of Animals, where the biological intricacies of various species are cataloged and analyzed, often with moral implications.

In That Brute Animals Make Use of Reason, Plutarch takes a bold step, arguing that animals are not only clever but also possess reasoning abilities and emotions. He refutes the idea that rationality is exclusive to humans, presenting compelling anecdotes to show that animals make decisions, form bonds, and experience complex emotions like grief and joy. Elephants, which Plutarch frequently praises, mourn their dead, while dogs demonstrate loyalty and affection. This view aligns with the Stoic principle of universal interconnectedness, as seen in the works of thinkers like Chrysippus, who recognized the Logos, or Rational Principle, inherent in all living beings. Similarly, Cicero’s De Natura Deorum engages with the idea of a rational order that binds all life, subtly supporting the ethical consideration of animals.

Plutarch’s ethical concerns reach their peak in On Eating Meat, where he critiques the consumption of animal flesh as a practice born of necessity but maintained through cruelty and desensitization. He challenges readers to reflect on the moral and spiritual degradation that accompanies such acts, asking what kind of person could first bring themselves to eat the flesh of a living being. For Plutarch, abstaining from meat fosters compassion, purity of mind, and alignment with nature’s harmony. This sentiment finds echoes in the philosophy of Pythagoras, who regarded vegetarianism as essential for achieving a virtuous life. The Orphic tradition, too, embraced abstinence from animal flesh, viewing it as a way to maintain spiritual integrity and honor the Divine in all living things. Moreover, the Golden Age myth, referenced by poets like Hesiod and Ovid, reinforces this notion, portraying an Era of Peace where humanity lived in Harmony with animals, free from violence and consumption of meat.

Plutarch’s critique also anticipates modern concerns about factory farming, environmental destruction, and the ethical treatment of animals. Contemporary thinkers have built upon such ideas, advocating for animal rights and vegetarianism as moral imperatives. Additionally, the environmental consequences of industrial agriculture—such as deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity loss—lend credence to Plutarch’s belief in the far-reaching consequences of dietary choices.

By situating Plutarch’s reflections within the broader philosophical and cultural traditions of his time, his work emerges as part of an enduring legacy of ethical inquiry. From Aristotle’s biological curiosity to the Orphic ideals of harmony and the Stoic embrace of universal reason, Plutarch’s writings bridge ancient thought with modern ethical dilemmas. His insights challenge us to recognize the wisdom and moral significance of animals, urging humanity to act with compassion and responsibility. In doing so, he offers a timeless call to reconsider our place in the natural order and to strive for a more virtuous coexistence with all living beings.