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28
24
NO YES
Debate Score:52
Arguments:30
Total Votes:59
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 NO (13)
 
 YES (16)

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Libavius(114) pic



Is it relevant to look at animals to determine if homosexual behavior is "normal

"man is characterized not by what he has in common with animals, but by what differentiates him from them."

NO

Side Score: 28
VS.

YES

Side Score: 24
7 points

The term "normal" is pretty vague - what do you mean by that?

If you mean normal as in "something that naturally occurs", sure, it makes sense to study animals for that.

If you mean normal as in "it is acceptable behaviour", no. Studying animals tells us how the world is, not how the world should be. Many animals fight, kill, and eat one another. Does it mean that humans ought to do the same?

Whether or not animals display homosexuality shouldn't have any influence on the debate about human homosexuality, as morality is not something you're supposed to find by observing the animal world. But since some opponents of homosexuality say that it's wrong because it's somehow unnatural, it makes sense for others to dispute that by showing them how very natural and ordinary it is.

Side: No
3 points

you said everything that came to mind when i wanted to talk in this debate. Good job. lol. To tell you the truth this debate is almost repulsive.

Side: No
3 points

While the topic of this debate is meant to be an argument against homosexuality, in my opinion it actually harms homophobes more than it helps them. The whole "let's look at what nature is like" question only started because homophobes were saying that homosexuality is unnatural.

Seen in this light, it's actually the homophobes who are committing the error of thinking that what's "natural" is what's "right".

Side: No
aveskde(1935) Disputed
1 point

you said everything that came to mind when i wanted to talk in this debate. Good job. lol. To tell you the truth this debate is almost repulsive.

What is repulsive about it? That we are animals?

Side: yes
3 points

Here is my argument to those who believe that it is relevant...

Let's suppose that that it is relevant. We know that the best evidence so far suggests that homosexual behavior is uncommon with animals. So, that would mean that heterosexuality is in our nature. That would also means that eating our "mates" is also in our nature.That would also mean that our abstract way of thinking is not in our nature.

That doesn't make sens. The fact that humans has basic physical functions in common with animals doesn't mean he is one.

man is characterized not by what he has in common with animals, but by what differentiates him from them. Man's rationality is what makes human nature unique and fundamentally distinct from animal nature.

Side: No
2 points

I don't think there are any homosexual animals apart from humans.;)

Side: No
zombee(1026) Disputed
1 point

Clearly, you have not devoted a second of research to this topic.

Homosexuality has been documented in more than 1500 species of animals.

http://www.news-medical.net/news/2006/10/23/20718.aspx

Side: yes
addltd(5144) Clarified
1 point

updated link for Zombee's argument

Supporting Evidence: 1500 Species (www.news-medical.net)
Side: NO
0 points

Thanks for the information.

But I think you're being to aggressive toward me.

Side: yes
2 points

Well if looking at animals determines if something is okay to do we should all start throwing shit at each other. And eating it too.

Side: No
2 points

If homosexual behavior is what? Justifiable?

Bonobos (pygmy Chimps) share our DNA to 99% and they engage in all sorts of sexual activity. From homosexuality in both male and females to pedophilia. Although with them sex is used as a bonding mechanism.

http://mudfooted.com/bonobo_liberated_apes/

Side: yes
anotherguy34(5) Disputed
1 point

So in other words to use animals as a way to determine if this behavior normal, I guess you'd also have to say that we kill, maim and injure our enemies just cause we feel like. Animals do it so its normal .... DUH I also suggest that be given permission to have multiple partners with no hostility whatsoever. I wanted to be Alpha Male in The wolf pack. Animals do all these things. Whether Its "Normal" or Simply downright disgusting is a matter of yet another debate......

Side: No
ricedaragh(2494) Disputed
2 points

First of all, when I posted on this debate the word normal wasn't in the heading. Secondly all the things you describe happen in both humans and animals so is therefore a matter of nature.

I guess you'd also have to say that we kill, maim and injure our enemies just cause we feel like.

You are using examples of behavior that create victims and are generally morally unsound. Homosexuality hurts no-one.

I also suggest that be given permission to have multiple partners with no hostility whatsoever.

This happens all the time, from polygamous societies and religions to everyday promiscuity, the fact that you've not had it is a matter for you to address, and just so you know as you are using this as a comparison to the animal kingdom pack animals like Lions and Gorillas often have their Alpha males usurped by younger, stronger or otherwise better equipped males.

I wanted to be Alpha Male in The wolf pack

Good luck with that, your examples are pretty weak here.

Whether Its "Normal" or Simply downright disgusting is a matter of yet another debate......

So, what is your point then, are you agreeing that it is normal? or are you saying that it isn't. It is normal, it happens in many different animal groups including our own and if you have a look at my post you'll see that animals that share 99% of our DNA engage in the exact same activity. If from what I gather and correct me if I'm wrong you are trying to convey your disgust for homosexual activity I'd advise either setting up a debate on this topic or not posting it as a tag on the end.

Side: yes
1 point

I like the Bonobos post. They will fuck anyone they know. It feels good and it's intimate.

Animals tend to be more polygamous than humans. Usually, though, they engage in straight sex. Rarely do we see gay sex in the animal kingdom.

I do love the human mind, though. So trying to figure out how homosexuality works is just such an interesting thing to me. I heard about an experiment with rats, but that was a long time ago... idk.

Side: yes
1 point

Yes. We are animals after all, and share a number of psychological aspects with the primates. It makes perfect sense to use animals as models in understanding behaviour and its formation, and how it may apply to us.

Side: yes