Animal Minds; how much can we learn about them? (Animals)

by David Turell , Friday, April 14, 2017, 15:12 (2779 days ago) @ dhw

dhw: I don’t think the researchers are trying to prove that our fellow animals have the thoughts, concepts and deep introspection of humans. It is all a matter of degree. Speaking purely for myself, and acknowledging that I can’t prove it, I have no doubt that when one of our fellow animals yelps or squeaks with pain, or runs away from a predator, it experiences pain and fear just as we do, and is aware of its pain and fear. The mirror is not the only test of self-awareness!

I can only agree.We live out in the country with lots of different types of natural predators prowling, and we hear the sounds you describe.