Can philosophy be read as our desire to be special.

Was philosophy ever seen as a tool humans use to seek self-worth? A way for us to try to pin a medal on ourselves, something that sets us apart from all other living beings? Many biological studies demonstrate time and again that humans are nothing special compared to other animals, that we are not unique in any way, and that we shouldn't place ourselves in a separate category in a hierarchy of: object < bacteria < plant < animal < human. But I often feel that philosophy, and the desire to explain, discuss, and rationalize everything about ourselves, is a way for our brains to put ourselves above all creation.