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Anecdotes about and interest in the courage, loyalty, ingenuity, compassion, and intelligence of non-human animals date back to the beginning of human interactions with them. Recently, however, philosophers and scientists have begun to examine the cognitive capacities of non-humans in more systematic ways. In this seminar we will examine the philosophical and scientific issues raised by recent studies in animal minds. We will explore the nature and complexity of non-human mental states, ask what evidence justifies attributions of cognition or intelligence to non-humans, discuss the methodological problems that arise in theorizing about mechanisms responsible for animal behavior, and examine some of the recent philosophical and scientific debate about the evolution of mind. The study of animal minds, in addition to providing us with a greater understanding of those with whom we share the planet, also contributes to our understanding of our own minds.
Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.
COURSE FORMAT: Seminar
Level: UGRD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: HA PHIL Grading Mode: Graded
Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.
Last Updated on MAR-18-2003
Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459