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Do Birds Have a Theory of Mind?

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Keefner_Ashley.pdf (506.56 KB)

Date

2013-10-04T19:38:47Z

Authors

Keefner, Ashley

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Volume Title

Publisher

University of Waterloo

Abstract

It is well known that humans are able to represent the mental states of others. This ability is commonly thought to be unique to humans. However, recent studies on the food caching, gift giving, and cooperative behaviours of Corvids and Parrots provide evidence for this ability in birds. Upon examining the empirical evidence, I argue that the best explanation for these behaviours is that birds are able to represent conspecifics as having particular mental states. I further argue that birds are able to do this by simulating the minds of conspecifics.

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Keywords

Theory of Mind, Mental State, Corvid

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URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10012/7996

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Theses
Philosophy