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Animal Rights History Timeline » [1660-1785] Enlightenment: » David Hartley

David Hartley

Observations on Man

The Intellectual Faculties of Brutes

[1749] David Hartley, Observations on Man, His Frame, His Duty, and His Expectations (1749; London, 1834; Google Books: Online Library of Free eBooks).

And though I suppose, with Descartes, that all their motions are conducted with mere mechanism, yet I do not suppose them to be destitute of perception, but they have this in a manner analogous to that which takes place in us…I always suppose, that corresponding feelings, and affections of mind, attend upon them, just as in us. And the brute creatures prove their near relation to us, not only by the general resemblance of the body, but by that of the mind also; inasmuch as many of them have most of the eminent passions in some imperfect degree, and as there is, perhaps, no passion belonging to human nature, which may not be found in some brute creature in a considerable degree. (259)

It ought always to be remembered in speaking on this subject, that brutes have more reason than they can shew, from their want of words, from our inattention, and from our ignorance of the import of those symbols, which they do use in giving intimations to one another, and to us. (260)

We seem to be in the place of God to them, to be his vicegerents, and empowered to receive homage from them in his name. And we are obliged, by the same tenure, to be their guardians and benefactors. (260)