A Comparative Study of Equine and Elephant Mental Attributes Leading to an Acceptance of Their Subjectivity & Consciousness

Abstract

A combination of both reviewed scientific knowledge (called the 3rd person approach) and knowledge gathered from philosophy of mind, critically assessed anecdotes & centuries of folk knowledge concerning the cognition of other mammals is termed Conditional Anthro-pomorphism. It is proposed as a rational method to begin to outline species subjectivity. Equines and elephants are used as examples. This précis includes a brief examination of mammalian similarities and species differences in bodies & behaviour, and how this affects their mental attitudes and knowledge of the world. Such an approach cultivates a greater understanding of another species subjectivity and consciousness, and can enrich our own.