Critter Psychology: On the Possibility of Nonhuman Animal Folk Psychology

摘要: Humans have a folk psychology, without question. Paul Churchland used the term to describe “our commonsense conception of psychological phenomena” (Churchland 1981, p. 67), whatever that may be. When we ask question whether animals their own we’re asking any other species has phenomenon as well. Different versions this been discussed over past 25 years, but no clear answer emerged. Perhaps one reason for lack progress is don’t clearly understand In I hope help clarify concept psychology itself, and in process, gain greater understanding role belief desire attribution human social interaction. To start, can construct simple argument favor animal based on standard definition term. According what am calling view, humans attribute specific mental states target, using theory, simulation, or some combination two order generate predictions intentional behavior. count proper target analysis, agent must engage behavior predictable through beliefs desires. We see commitment Daniel Dennett’s stance,