Description
Book SynopsisThe philosophy of animal minds addresses profound questions about the nature of mind and the relationships between humans and other animals.
In this fully revised and updated introductory text, Kristin Andrews introduces and assesses the essential topics, problems, and debates as they cut across animal cognition and philosophy of mind, citing historical and cutting-edge empirical data and case studies throughout.
The second edition includes a new chapter on animal culture. There are also new sections on the evolution of consciousness and tool use in animals, as well as substantially revised sections on mental representation, belief, communication, theory of mind, animal ethics, and moral psychology.
Further features such as chapter summaries, annotated further reading, and a glossary make The Animal Mind an indispensable introduction to those teaching philosophy of mind, philosophy of animal minds or animal cognition. It will also be an
Trade Review
"Essential for anyone interested in the philosophy of animal cognition. Andrews expertly combines science and philosophy to show how rich, complex, and varied animal minds can be. She also shows how the study of animal minds can improve our understanding of consciousness, language, reason, culture, morality, human nature, and more. If you want a new appreciation of the many animals you share the world with, as well as of yourself, you should read this book." - Jeff Sebo, New York University, USA
Praise for the first edition:
"… Andrews explores the philosophy of animal cognition fairly thoroughly and clearly, including ideas, claims, and counterclaims. … The Animal Mind is not for skimming; it should be read slowly, a section at a time, digested, and read again. However, the knowledge gained is worth the time invested. … Summing Up: Recommended." - CHOICE
"Andrews does not merely present the major theories and latest research into animal cognition. She also evaluates the quality of that research and the arguments advanced by notable philosophers, psychologists, ethologists and biologists. For readers unfamiliar with the terminology frequently used by specialists in those fields, Andrews includes a clear glossary. Likewise, the entire book is written in an engaging style, avoiding the mind-numbing tendencies that introductory textbooks can produce." - Philosophy in Review
"Andrews is terrifically knowledgeable about both the philosophy and science of animal minds and is not above coaxing the rest of us into this notoriously difficult subject with the judicious use of anecdotes and stories. This is the best introduction to the subject currently available." - Dale Jamieson, New York University, USA
"An outstanding, highly readable, and carefully argued introduction to a variety of increasingly important topics in philosophy. I can think of no better way to get philosophers and cognitive scientists up to speed on the issues, and I look forward to teaching this book in my own courses on animal minds." - Bryce Huebner, Georgetown University, USA
"This thoughtful and well-informed book is a very useful guide to the philosophical and empirical literatures on animal minds. It is accessibly written and well-pitched for students." - José Luis Bermúdez, Texas A&M University, USA
"The Animal Mind is an ideal text for introductory classes in the growing field of the philosophy of cognitive ethology. It is also an excellent work of philosophy—one that challenges received wisdom and speculates about future lines of research. As interest in animals grows among philosophers and psychologists, this book provides stimulating reading for students and scholars alike." - Edward Minar, University of Arkansas, USA
Table of ContentsPreface to the second edition Acknowledgments, first edition Introduction 1. Other minds 2. Understanding animal behavior 3. The science of other minds 4. Consciousness 5. Can animals think? 6. Communication 7. Social knowledge 8. Culture 9. Moral minds. Glossary Bibliography Index
