One might even ask if the question still makes sense in the light of modern behavioural research. 18 th century philosophers had heated debates about whether animals have a soul, yet in 19 th century zoological literature it was taken for granted that they did. Nowadays scientists seem to stress the similarity between animals and people more than ever. It has long been demonstrated that animals can use tools, engage in complex learning processes and employ a simple form of language. Dolphins, for example, make differentiated sounds and live in complex social structures.
Chimpanzees can communicate with humans using sign language.
In genetic terms, even insects, on the whole not very popular creatures, are more closely related to us than we generally assume. The Indian goddess Kali unites opposing aspects of becoming, preserving and destroying. These contradictory forces are taken here as a metaphor for humans' relationship to nature. The name Kali is derived from Kala, meaning time, which creates and devours everything. Tradition holds that the goddess was called into life in a battle against demons.