Question

Does the origin of established scientific terminology matter? Should we abandon the term 'mammal' since it arguably was coined with sexist implications in mind, such as characterizing women as more animalistic than men or suggesting that they ought to stay home to rear children?

Answer 1

Answer:

I personally don't think that scientific terminologies are meant for hurting groups of people. There are institutes which control the terminologies and even upgrade and alter when required.

Mammal is not coined to show that women are more animalistic than men. Mammal is used because women, as well as men, have mammary glands. Thus, it has no sexist implications. Scientifically speaking, we are animals. And morally speaking, I find no humiliation in being called an animal. Animals have often proved to be more civilised and humane than humans.