Do domestic animals have minds and the ability to think? A provisional sample of opinions on the question.

摘要: Faculty, staff, and graduate students in a number of departments, an undergraduate course, some groups outside the university were polled to obtain their perceptions about whether domestic animals have minds, ability think, differing degrees intelligence (the surveys focused only on horses, cows, sheep, dogs, chickens, pigs, cats, turkeys). A clear majority all surveyed (except Department Zoology) said yes, they believe but substantial those animal sciences zoology (17 25%) no. others sciences, zoology, philosophy (11 37%) refused answer question because concept mind was not defined. From 80 100% respondents other yes minds. 67 participants perceive that scientists, zoologists, veterinarians, English faculty no, don't think (6 33%). On Do differ relative intelligence?, responses varied from 88% 100%. Surprisingly, when asked rank different species by intelligence, there remarkable degree similarity across regardless background; overall ranking highest lowest dog, cat, pig, horse, cow, chicken, turkey. Most believed possession thought, relevant factors how should be treated prevalent we cruel animals, treat them humanely.