Can animals think? And if so, what do they think about and what are the limits of animal thought? Are they rational in the same sense humans are? Or is there a distinct animal rationality? And how could we know the answers to all these questions? Philosophers have been discussing questions like these since antiquity, and they do so for various reasons. Understanding the animal mind and how similar or different it is from ours could help us to understand what makes us human. Moreover, answers to these questions have important implications for animal ethics. Finally, looking at animal minds could also teach us something about the nature of mind.
This seminar is part of the program research oriented teaching. One focus of the seminar will be the work of Susana Monsó (UNED Madrid). The Seminar will include a workshop which will give students the opportunity to discuss animal mind topics with Susana Monsó and other renowned experts in this field of research in person. Participation in the workshop is a requirement to pass the seminar. Further requirements are regular attendance and active participation in class.
- Kursleiter/in: Tobias Benjamin Starzak