About this episode
Eugene Linden discusses animal intelligence and scientific discoveries revealing sophisticated cognition in non-human species. Linden examines evidence that animals possess complex thought, emotions, and problem-solving abilities once considered uniquely human. The conversation explores communication systems in animals including language-like abilities in primates and cetaceans. Linden discusses tool use, cultural transmission, and other behaviors demonstrating intelligence across diverse species. The discussion addresses the evolution of intelligence and what animal cognition reveals about the nature of mind. Linden examines resistance from behaviorism and scientific paradigms that denied animal consciousness or intelligence. The broadcast explores specific examples of remarkable animal intelligence including deception, planning, and creative problem solving. Linden discusses the ethical implications of recognizing animal intelligence including treatment of intelligent species. The conversation addresses consciousness in animals and the question of whether non-human species possess subjective experience. Linden examines what studying animal intelligence reveals about human uniqueness and our relationship with other species.