Abby Robinson-source 2

Question: "Are animals as complex of beings as humans?"
Source: Siebert, Charles. "Animals Like Us." Popular Science 1 Jan. 2015: n. pag. Ebsco Host. Web. 4 Oct. 2015.

• Summary: In this article, it is discussed whether animals are as complex of beings as humans. The article starts off by discussing a court case the animal organization NhRP took to court in 2013. The organization tried to fight for the right for 4 chimpanzees to not be illegally imprisoned, and fight for "human rights". The case got dismissed since the plaintiffs were not humans. For centuries, humans have viewed themselves as separate and superior to animals. It is then discussed how many similarities exist between the brains of several animals and humans. And the similarities that exist, were characteristics once believed to only belong to humans. The article goes back to discussing chimpanzees, and how similar they are to humans DNA wise. The article ends by explaining we've looked in the wrong direction all along for beings as complex as us, which are animals.
• Think: The source changes my thinking by causing me to consider the true complexity of animals, both emotionally and the complexity of their thinking. It brings about the new ideas of animals being capable of attaining certain HUMAN rights, such as freedom from imprisonment, freedom from being test subjects, and allows me to reconsider the way in which we should interact with animals. I agree with the source when it says that we have talked down the complexity of animals for centuries and kept ourselves separate from them. I disagree with it when it discusses how the court dismissed the chimpanzees' case on the basis that they are not human, instead of giving the case a chance in court. This article helped lead me to an answer to this particular research question. I would consider the answer to be valid, and that animals are in some ways as complex as humans when it comes to brain structure, emotional capabilities, and DNA when specifically discussing chimpanzees. Something I did not consider that would shed light on this information would be to dive deeper into the topic of brain similarities between animals and humans that support the overall explanation as to why animals deserve more rights.
• Synthesize: This source responds to the other source, "Activists, circus squared off use of elephants" in a similar manner. Both disagree with the current treatment of animals. The previous source I used also discusses illegal imprisonment, saying how elephants should not be forced to live in captivity in the circus because it is not good for their mental health. This source "Animals Like Us" also feels that living in captivity is not healthy for animals, specifically chimps. I tend to agree with both sources, since they are on the same side. I too, feel it impairs the health of the animals to be living in captivity. I would put these two sources into conversation together, supporting the same argument, when it comes to animal captivity life. 
• Question: this source has lead me to ask: What qualities must an animal have to be given "human rights"? what brain structures do animals and humans share, and what are their functions? should an animal be legally allowed to be represented in court? the right questions to be asking should be pertaining to the abilities possessed by animals that they share with humans. my research should next discuss similarities between animals and humans when it comes to brain structure and function. the answers I have so far, are pertaining to the use of animals in the entertainment business and if animals should be given human rights/how they are similar to humans. they work together by discussing the imprisonment of animals.