Are animals consciously aware of anything, or are they merely living
machines incapable of conscious thoughts or emotions? How can we tell? In this
volume Griffin demonstrates how communication between animals can serve as a
"window" into what animals think and feel.This text takes the reader on a guided tour of scientific research
concerning animal mentality. Are animals consciously aware of anything, or are
they merely living machines incapable of conscious thoughts or emotions? How
can we tell? Such questions have fascinated the author, Donald Griffin, for
decades, and his years spent at the forefront of research in animal cognition
make him one of the leading behavioural ecologists of the 20th century. This
revised and expanded version of his book moves beyond considerations of animal
cognition to argue that scientists should and can investigate questions of
animal consciousness. Using examples, ranging from chimpanzees to dolphins to
birds and bees, Griffin demonstrates how communication between animals can
serve as a "window" into what animals think and feel. He even shows how the
reader can learn when there is no verbal communication from the animal, instead
look at the actions the animal is taking, and how they respond to their
surrounding and adapt or die. Griffin also considers the up-and-coming research
on animal consciousness, its pros and cons, and explores the philosophical and
ethical implications of the research.
