The importance of human language (Animals)

by David Turell , Saturday, June 29, 2024, 18:59 (126 days ago) @ dhw

DAVID: There is no question language broadens the form of consciousness we have. But my dog is conscious in a minor way. I see him head for the kitchen meal with intentionality. He must be conscious in his simple way, and he knows many words.

dhw: We are in agreement. I’m sure he also remembers routines, is aware of your kindness to him, looks forward to his daily walks, and loves you to bits. But if you kicked him and starved him, I suspect he would be equally conscious of his miserable life, although of course he couldn’t put it into words. The same would apply to us humans before we began to invent our language.
That is why I disagree with Matt’s (Jayne’s) statement that “our ability to be conscious entirely relies on language”. Language grows from what our consciousness experiences, but in turn language enables us to share those experiences with others and hence expand the range of their own consciousness.

DAVID: I agree. Consciousness drives language development.

Thank you.

DAVID: (to xeno) You have presented a fascinating very learned discussion. I appreciate it as educational.

dhw: Once again, we agree. This is a rarity!!!. And three cheers for language, which enables us to expand our range of consciousness through such education.

We agree more than one might think.