Animal Minds (Animals)

by dhw, Tuesday, June 07, 2011, 08:32 (4917 days ago) @ xeno6696

dhw: Why are some people so reluctant to accept that if we are all descended from common ancestors, we might also have many features in common, including the positive ones we would like to claim as our exclusive property?-MATT: You will broker no argument here.-Nevertheless, I have taken another step on your recommendation, and have listened to the rest of the "whale" broadcast. Thank you for persisting.
 
The love affair between the photographer and the leopard seal is interesting, though I'm not sure that either of them is entirely right in the head, but what really caught my attention was the discussion on spindle cells. These are special neurons which at one time were thought to be unique to humans, and which are associated with cognitive skills and, according to the neurologist on the programme, maybe also with empathy. It appears that they are also found in creatures such as hump-backed whales and elephants. If we manifest the same behaviour and we share the same brain cells, what grounds can there be for doubting ... as many humans do ... that we share the same feelings?