Minds Of Animals Essay Research Paper A

Minds Of Animals Essay, Research Paper

A New Approach to Animal Minds

Introduction

Purpose for Report

Certainly, there are many non-human animals that inhabit the almighty mother

earth. The human race has always been interested in the behavior of other animals found

in this diverse world. This report will definitely be a very insightful and interesting guide

to those in search of understanding the capabilities of the animal mind. This informative

document will discuss the question of animal self-awareness, the ability of animals to

think and reason in various situations and most importantly give an in depth analysis about

the conscious thinking of animals. Furthermore, references will be made to articles and

books written by experts in the field of animal behavior so to provide valid information

from a reliable source.

What is Conscious Thinking.

Before discussing animals themselves, first there are certain definitions that the

reader must become familiar with. .Most people have no doubt of their own conscious

thinking but cannot convey to another person all that they experience. ( Griffin 5). To be

conscious is defined as . aware of what one is intending to do or having a purpose or

intention in one.s actions. (Webster.s 55). The word think is defined as . to have in mind

a notion or idea. (Webster.s 268) . Therefore, it can be inferred that to be a conscious

thinker would include having in mind an idea or notion and being aware of what one is

intending to do with this idea. Now that these terms have been discussed, applying them

to animals will be a great deal simpler.

A Fine Line

Cognitive Theories

When speaking of conscious thinking within animals, there are two extreme sides

of the argument. One extremity is cognitive theories. Lately, more and more scientists

are opening their eyes to the opinions of cognitive scientists who believe that animals do

have emotion, feeling, reasoning and are fully conscious. .Our challenge is to venture

across the species boundary and try to gather satisfactory information about what other

species may think or feel. (Griffin 12) . As a result of the intuition of the few cognitive

scientists in the world, there have been extensive research and experiments done that are

providing vital information concerning the conscious thinking of animals.

Behavioral Theories

Another extreme opinion when dealing with animal thoughts is the behavioral

theory. Many behavioral scientists believe that animals do not think or reason, they

merely act on pure instinct and predetermined behavior. .Most biologists and

psychologists tend, explicitly or implicitly, to treat most of the worlds animals as

mechanisms, complex mechanisms to be sure, but unthinking robots nonetheless. (Griffin

9). These types of scientists feel that animals are creatures who do not feel, think or

are aware of what they are. Long ago this was a very popular opinion but as of late more

and more experts have questioned the validity of this theory.

Studies of conscious thinking

Rio, the Logical Sea Lion

In California an experiment has been done to help support the theories of many

cognitive scientists. .Rio, a seven-year-old sea lion at the University of California at Santa

Cruz, thinks like a human.. (Crabb 1). Miraculously, Rio understands a simple

mathematical concept. .If A equals B, and B equals C, then it follows that A equals C,

and even that C equals A. Most humans know that, sort of. So does Rio. (1 Crabb). To

prove this, Dr. Schusterman from the University, helps Rio to match .the silhouette of a

crab with that of a tulip, and then the tulip with a radio, Rio then makes a logical leap; she

matches the crab with the radio. It may seem like a small thing, but it is a basic kind of

logical thinking. (Crabb 1). This informative experiment is only one of the phenomenal

leaps that has been made in the progress of cognitive theories.

Hans, the Clever Horse

In another study, a horse called .Hans. has surpassed simple logical thinking and

has become somewhat of an animal scholar. After long training this highly intelligent

animal has demonstrated the capacity for abstract thinking.

Hans could not only count, he could also solve problems in arithmetic. The four

fundamental processes were entirely familiar to him. Common fractions he

changed to decimals, and vice versa; he could solve problems in mensuration – and

all with such ease that it was difficult to follow him if one had become somewhat

rusty in these branches. ( In the case of all fractions Hans would first tap the

numerator and then the denominator) (Henderson 47)

This illustration of the ability for an animal to reason numerical problems is indisputable

evidence that the minds of animals have the capacity for logical thinking. Furthermore,

.Hans. has demonstrated that he is very intelligent and can unde

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