Very Bad Wizards Episode 283: When Elephants Podcast
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Apr 30, 2024 
Writer Caitrin Keiper joins the hosts to discuss the philosophical questions surrounding elephants - their mental states, language, and morality. They explore the taboo of anthropomorphizing elephants and the ethical duties towards them. Plus, a fun segment inventing German words for common experiences.
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Elephants Match Many Human Traits
- Elephants show complex cognition, communication, and emotion that challenge human uniqueness.
- Their brains, social learning, infra-sound calls, and mourning make them person-like in many respects.
Science's Anti-Anthropomorphism Roots
- Scientific taboo against anthropomorphizing animals stems from behaviorism and fear of untestable claims.
- Dennett's intentional stance can legitimately explain animal behavior and aid understanding.