Through Our Eyes Only?: Search for Animal Consciousness

by Marian Stamp Dawkins (Author)

• Used

  Hardcover
  1993

  $3.55

  What goes on inside the minds of other animals? Do other species have thoughts and feelings remotely like our own? And if they do, how could we ever find out? In this book, the author examines such questions, questions that have been thought of by some as beyond the scope of science to deal with and by others, particularly cat or dog owners, is so absurdly obvious as not to need any further considerations. She argues, in contrast to both of these views, that to find out about the minds of other animals we can and should do two things. We need to break through the reticence that scientists often have in discussing the issue of whether other animals are conscious, and insist on looking for evidence of thought and feeling. That evidence is now available, and from the scientists' own work. But we also need to be wary of jumping to false conclusions and assuming that other species are thinking when they may in fact be doing no such thing. We have to cultivate a kind of open-minded skepticism, shedding a lot of prejudices and preconceptions about the uniqueness of human minds but at the same time remaining critical of the evidence and open to the idea that, even if other animals have thoughts and feelings they may be very different from our own.

• Used

  Paperback
  1998

  $3.55

  Through Our Eyes Only? is an immensely engaging exploration of one of the greatest remaining biological mysteries: the possibility of conscious experiences in non-human animals. Dawkins argues that the idea of consciousness in other species has now progressed from a vague possibility to a plausible, scientifically respectable view. Written in an accessible and entertaining style, this book aims to show how near - and how far - we are to understanding what goes on in the minds of other animals. 'Her approach ... is impeccable ... Her writing is highly accessible, lively and illustrative.' - Booklist on the hardback edition.