Are Animals Capable of Thought?
March 25th, 2008 by June von BoninFor a long time many scientist believed animals to be just living automatons. Of course pet owners disagree, seeing how our dog understands us when we talk to him. However, pet ownsers’ claims are not science.
But, what is intelligence? If certain skills are considered essential for intelligence, such as good memory, imitating others, understanding others’ motives.. then intelligence is not limited to humans alone.
Now researchers have proven that animals have a mind of their own (from nationalgeographic.com).
March 25th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
It is also a question of the point of view. From the angle of a Human, animals are not very intelligent, because the follow relatively strong the physic needs only. They have no motivation to do anything, where they cannot see a direct benefit to themselves or the group. Normally no such actions, are done.
So the question comes up, has intelligence also something to do with motivation, Where comes this agitation humans have?
Technically the brains of animals, especially the ones of Apes, Dauphines, Elephants and others, are physically quite similar build like the human ones. Cells, Cell-Cores, Cortex, Synapses etc. So what is needed that this curiosity starts and they begin to research and analyze explore like humans do?
March 26th, 2008 at 8:07 am
Here I must disagree. Animals are intelligent, even if they have to meet their strong physical needs. Keas are known for their playfulness and curiousity. These are not traits that offer immediate benefits.