How to Study Animal Minds

Elements in the Philosophy of Biology

by Kristin Andrews

Comparative psychology, the multidisciplinary study of animal behavior and psychology, confronts the challenge of how to study animals we find cute and easy to anthropomorphize, and animals we find odd and easy to objectify, without letting these biases negatively impact the science. In this Element, Kristin Andrews identifies and critically examines the principles of comparative psychology and shows how they can introduce other biases by objectifying animal subjects and encouraging scientists to remain detached. Andrews outlines the scientific benefits of treating animals as sentient research participants who come from their own social contexts and with whom we will be in relationship. With discussions of science's quest for objectivity, worries about romantic and killjoy theories, and debates about chimpanzee cognition between primatologists who work in the field and those in the lab, Andrews shows how scientists can address the different biases through greater integration of the subdisciplines of comparative psychology.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Animals

86 pages, Paperback

Published June 25, 2020

Reviews

[Tom Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting, thought-provoking book. Andrews offers a good criticism of Morgan's canon and clearly explains why forming bonds with study animals is of vital importance to the study of animal minds. Furthermore, her "Curative Principle" (i.e. if ignoring animal sentience hinders knowledge generation, researchers should premise sentience) is a very interesting approach to comparative research. In Section 4 of the book, Andrews discusses differences between field and lab science, and includes a list of possible biases that might arise in both settings. Altogether, a short but interesting book, which offers interesting points and considerations that can help to progress the methods of comparative psychology.

[Heather Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great overview of the methods of comparative psychology (the study of animal minds and behaviour). Perhaps I am an easy sell, as I was already on board with some of the key ideas, like the fact that appropriate recognition of animal consciousness can strengthen, rather than weaken, the science, and that acknowledgement of, rather than attempts to eliminate, bias will ultimately help build stronger conclusions. A great little starter book for anyone interested in these sciences.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent introduction to some controversies in methodological approaches to the study of animal minds. However, there is much that is left unsaid and I couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed at the brevity of some of the arguments.

[jenny! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and thought-provoking but quite confusing at times. I think the writing could have been clearer but the book overall was very good.