Article: “Homosexual Activity Among Animals Stirs Debate.” https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2004/07/homosexual-animals-debate/
There is a large body of scientific research discussed in this National Geographic article about homosexuality behavior among animals. While this animal behavior is well-documented in the scientific community, some people interpret it in different ways.
Supporters of LGBT rights may use the research to support their views that if homosexual activity is fairly common in the animal world, then it supports the argument that LGBT people should not be discriminated against and should the exact same rights as everyone else. Some types of social conservatives may not accept the validity of the research or may argue that animal behavior should not be equated with human behavior.
This RLE has a number of links to differentiating between”change” and “progress” in May 2021 TOK essay Prescribed Title #2. Consider the following:
- The ways in which the scientific method helps differentiate between change and progress
- How new research on animal behavior can be viewed as change or progress. Keep in mind that some research may be solid and groundbreaking while other research may be later debunked.
- Liberal vs. conservative perspectives on whether research into homosexuality in the animal kingdom is change or progress
- Liberal vs. conservative perspectives on whether changes in gay marriage law and other LGBT issues are change or progress
- The role that organizations like National Geographic play in differentiating between change and progress