to what degree are animals aware of their own existence?

Cameron Trickey 2333

In terms of contemplation of their existence, we are the only animals that do that. They certainly don't have a conscience like ours. It's what seperate us from them.

Animals do have certain traits but nothing that suggests a self awareness, it is istinctual. This has been shown by getting animals do things according to prediction by changing their environments and other such things. If you're a Douglas Adams fan though, the rats run around mazes in laborotories to see how human scientists react when they touch an appropriate shape.

Different species do however perform some amazing things. Chimpanzies have far better memories than human beings. Ants show traits of alturism, but this is most definitely instinctual. Dolphins are actually not trained to do things per se. I worked at Sea World in Australia for 18 months a while back, and the mammal trainers used to say that 'tricks are for prostitutes, dolphins perform behaviours. We just get them to do it on command'. We did have one dolphin in the middle of a show receive a command to do whatever behaviour it was, and not come up for a few moments. Suddenly she appeared back beside the trainer with a large hook that was for some reason in the water. After handing it over, and without any indication, she continued on with her behaviour. So she definitely showed awareness of her surroundings and what was foreign, even dangerous.

But I agree with David, all animals do have varying degrees of awareness. Not self awareness, just a level of awareness. Ironically some may say, the closer they are to humans, the more awareness they seem to have.

David Souza 2399

I do agree with Jim, it's all speculation for the most part. We know we are aware of our own existence because we can communicate with one another. Most of what I believe is purely my opinion and is not based on scientific study or proof; only my observation of animals.

As far as animals and their behaviour one would tend to believe they do to some degree show awareness of their own existence. It also depends on animals since some seem to be more "developed" mentally than others. Or at least they demonstrate what we perceive to be intelligence. Mammals rank high on intelligence compared to insects, for instance. I guess they are all aware in varying degrees, humans being the most aware down to single celled organisms that are the least.

Jim Williams 2367

First!!!! I think you need to be able to talk/communicate with a particular species and ask them.....other than that it is pure speculation.

Much the same as we are born with certain inherent traits and instincts. The animal kingdom follows suit. We can list all sorts of theories as to how we can identify a sentient being and their awareness levels. To the best of my knowledge we have only been able to guess.

Chimpanzees', apes, gorrillas, dolphins and othe species have shown signs of intelligence and awareness but, most believe it to be mimicing what we train them to do. Thus, giving the impression of awareness and intelligence.

I would like to believe that all life forms have a degree of awareness. For now..... I would have to say that the jury is still out.

Vinay Yadappanavar 2321

I don't know the answer for sure, but I think that no they are not. I also think (and I believe have read) that the ability to create and use language is required for awareness. Humans are the only creatures to be able to use abstract concepts in language. For example use the word "food" to talk about food. Consciousness apparently involves a literal monologue in the brain, where one literally speaks to oneself. Some animals can perform rudimententary communication (such as a honey bee dance to indicate the presense of nectar), but they can't handle abstraction, so I would say they are not conscious.

Danielle Shanley 2399

I am no scientist...but my general understanding (and anyone can correct me if I am wrong) is that one test for being "self-aware" is recognizing yourself in a mirror. Primates (I believe) are the only ones capable of such an ability (Humans and some monkeys/apes/gorrillas). The rest rely on instict and pattern behavior.

Does this mean that they don't have feelings, ideas, thoughts, etc.? I don't know??????

I can' t wait to read other posts....this is a question that interests me.