The Philosophy of Animal Minds

by Robert W. Lurz (Editor)

This volume is a collection of fourteen essays by leading philosophers on issues concerning the nature, existence, and our knowledge of animal minds. The nature of animal minds has been a topic of interest to philosophers since the origins of philosophy, and recent years have seen significant philosophical engagement with the subject. However, there is no volume that represents the current state of play in this important and growing field. The purpose of this volume is to highlight the state of the debate. The issues which are covered include whether and to what degree animals think in a language or in iconic structures, possess concepts, are conscious, self-aware, metacognize, attribute states of mind to others, and have emotions, as well as issues pertaining to our knowledge of and the scientific standards for attributing mental states to animals.

Genres: Philosophy, Animals, Nonfiction

322 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2009

Reviews

[Sumeyye Pa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the book I chose to read as an introductory book. And I am grateful for the balancing approach between conceptual and experimental approach in the texts. The texts helped me manage a general map of problems where philosophy of mind and theories of animal minds combine.

[Heather Browning · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection of essays on some of the current trends in the study of animal cognition/consciousness certainly provided some interesting points for thought/debate but overall seemed to lack a clear structure.