Single Idea 4265

[catalogued under 11. Knowledge Aims / A. Knowledge / 4. Belief / f. Animal beliefs]

Full Idea

To say that an animal has beliefs is to imply not just that it can make mistakes, but also that it can learn from them.

Gist of Idea

If an animal has beliefs, that implies not only that it can make mistakes, but that it can learn from them

Source

Roger Scruton (Animal Rights and Wrongs [1996], p.15)

Book Reference

Scruton,Roger: 'Animal Rights and Wrongs' [Demos 1996], p.15


A Reaction

A bold claim which is hard to substantiate. Seems right, though. Why would they change a belief? It can't be a belief if it isn't changeable. That would be an instinct.