Since we are on a short hiatus (due to a partial acl tear which prevents me from working at the farm) I'm going to start to write a series of blog posts concerning the controversy surrounding animal intelligence, which still remains a very volatile subject in the area of scientific research.
For centuries, the curiosity and questions surrounding animal intelligence and animal consciousness has been vigilantly studied. Theories have been argued amongst scientists and philosophers at length. With each new generation, innovative scientific minds devise new alternative hypotheses, and yet, no agreements or conclusions can be made..
When working towards a supposition, researchers divide cognitive abilities like memory, sensory perception, recognition and acquiring knowledge from consciousness abilities such as how the animals feel and view things around them. Unfortunately, research into topics like these has gone through many stages, both humane and inhumane.
17th century French philosopher and vivisectionist, Rene Descartes, believed that animals were lesser beings who lacked minds and souls. He believed animals were incapable of reasoning or feeling. Descartes based these claims on his belief that language is a sign of rationality and only beings with minds or souls are rational. For Descartes this also means that since animals do not have a language they do not experience sensations like hunger, thirst and pain. Rather, a squeal of pain for example is a mere reaction to an external stimuli rather than a response to pain. He also did not hesitate to dissect live animals on the spot in attempt to prove this point.
When Charles Darwin came along, his approach was seen as the beginning of contemporary studies. He argued that the "mental powers of animals and humans differed only in degree, not in kind". He believed many species had the attributes of emotions. In his book, "The Descent of Man"(1871), Darwin presented examples supporting his claim that humans and nonhuman animals shared the cognitive abilities of reason, curiosity, memory and imitation. He shared the story of a fish that attempted to break through a pane of glass by smashing into it. The fish attempted this task for three months and eventually learned through trial and error that it could not get through. Darwin suggested that although a monkey would have learned the same thing much quicker, it is important to realize both creatures share the same ability to learn from experience. The fishes or monkeys who could not learn would be 'selected against' by nature, and unable pass on their genes leaving only intelligent genes in the pool. Darwin believed that the evolution of the human mind followed this same process.
When Charles Darwin came along, his approach was seen as the beginning of contemporary studies. He argued that the "mental powers of animals and humans differed only in degree, not in kind". He believed many species had the attributes of emotions. In his book, "The Descent of Man"(1871), Darwin presented examples supporting his claim that humans and nonhuman animals shared the cognitive abilities of reason, curiosity, memory and imitation. He shared the story of a fish that attempted to break through a pane of glass by smashing into it. The fish attempted this task for three months and eventually learned through trial and error that it could not get through. Darwin suggested that although a monkey would have learned the same thing much quicker, it is important to realize both creatures share the same ability to learn from experience. The fishes or monkeys who could not learn would be 'selected against' by nature, and unable pass on their genes leaving only intelligent genes in the pool. Darwin believed that the evolution of the human mind followed this same process.
In 1975, the landmark book Animal Liberation, authored by Australian philosopher Peter Singer, helped form the foundation of the animal rights movement. Singer argued that just because animals did not exhibit the same intellectual capabilities as humans does not mean that they are unable to feel pain as a human would.
Sources:
Newkirk , Ingrid E. “What Is Animal Liberation? Philosopher Peter Singer's Groundbreaking Work Turns 40.” PETA.org, PETA , www.peta.org/about-peta/learn-about-peta/ingrid-newkirk/animal-liberation/.
Nietzsche, Friedrich. “Animal Rights: A History Charles Darwin .” Animal Rights:A History Charles Darwin, Think-Differently-about-Sheep, think-differently-about-sheep.com/Animal_Rights_A_History_Charles_Darwin.htm.
Skirry , Justin. “René Descartes.” Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Nebraska University , www.iep.utm.edu/descarte/#SH8d.
Sources:
Newkirk , Ingrid E. “What Is Animal Liberation? Philosopher Peter Singer's Groundbreaking Work Turns 40.” PETA.org, PETA , www.peta.org/about-peta/learn-about-peta/ingrid-newkirk/animal-liberation/.
Nietzsche, Friedrich. “Animal Rights: A History Charles Darwin .” Animal Rights:A History Charles Darwin, Think-Differently-about-Sheep, think-differently-about-sheep.com/Animal_Rights_A_History_Charles_Darwin.htm.
Skirry , Justin. “René Descartes.” Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Nebraska University , www.iep.utm.edu/descarte/#SH8d.
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