Human vs. Dog Intelligence: The Great Debate
- John Holmes, an authority on dogs, strongly disagreed with the notion of dogs being “almost human.” Holmes’ view on dog intelligence is firmly rooted in the belief that humans and dogs, despite sharing some similarities, have distinctly different cognitive abilities.
- A colleague of the author, a psychologist, humorously suggested that a book on dog intelligence could be very short if intelligence were defined as a human-only trait. The psychologist’s quip challenges the long-standing beliefs regarding anthropomorphism – attributing human qualities to animals.
- In “Cognitive Psychology and Information Processing,” R. Lachman, J. L. Lachman, and E. R. Butterfield argued that human and animal behavior are governed by different principles in higher mental processes. At an advanced level of cognitive functioning, their view is that humans and animals operate under separate guidelines.
- Charles Darwin, in “The Descent of Man,” asserted that the difference in intelligence between humans and other mammals is one of degree, not kind. This means that the variations in intellectual capabilities are a matter of extent, not distinct categories.
Commonalities and Legendary Tales
Darwin acknowledged shared attributes between humans and animals, such as emotions, memory, and curiosity. Although he acknowledged the differing degrees of intelligence, Darwin recognized the existence of shared characteristics between species.
Despite acknowledging these common elements, Darwin differentiated human intelligence from that of dogs. Darwin’s argument pivots on the fact that dogs haven’t achieved complex human accomplishments like writing operas or novels – underscoring human intellectual superiority.The Icelandic saga about Eystein the Bad tells of a dog named Saur who ruled as king with the wisdom of three men. This legendary tale provides a mythical spin on the debate, illustrating an extraordinary example of canine intelligence and leadership.
According to the saga, Saur the dog was able to communicate ideas and moods through different sounds. This serves as a folklore testament to the belief that dogs might express complex thoughts, although in ways distinct from humans.
Expanding on Human vs. Dog Intelligence: The Great Debate
John Holmes asserts his stance as a dog expert, strongly disputing the idea of dogs being somewhat akin to humans in terms of intelligence. This proposal shines a light on a common misconception that dogs have parallel cognitive counterparts to human intelligence.
Taking this debate in a humorous vein, a psychology associate of the author amusingly hints at possible brevity of a book dedicated to canine intellect, based on the presumption of defining intelligence as a singularly Homo Sapiens quality. This comment provides a fresh perspective, suggesting that preconceived notions on anthropomorphism might limit our understanding of dog intelligence.
In the informative piece, “Cognitive Psychology and Information Processing,” R. Lachman, J. L. Lachman, and E. R. Butterfield put forth an argument suggesting the governing principles of human and animal behavior differ significantly when considering higher mental processes. They underline the divergence between human and animal cognitive processes, especially on a more sophisticated cognitive level.
Noted naturalist and scientist Charles Darwin, in his seminal work “The Descent of Man,” propounded his theory that the disparity between human intelligence and that of other mammals is merely a matter of degree, implying a continuum of cognitive capability rather than categorical differences.
Expanding on Commonalities and Legendary Tales
Acknowledging the shared mental attributes between humans and animals including emotions, memory, and curious nature, Darwin attempts to bridge the gap in understanding different species. Even though he recognizes the wide spectrum of intelligence, he also underlines the common psychological components across species.
However, Darwin doesn’t neglect the distinctions within these shared traits. He emphasizes substantial differences, particularly highlighting that dogs have not demonstrated the capability to achieve intricate human accomplishments such as composing operas or penning novels, thus exhibiting the upper edge of human cognitive abilities.
Contributing a rich dose of mythology to the conversation, the Icelandic saga narrates the story of an intelligent dog named Saur, who supposedly ruled as king with the wisdom of three men. This tantalizing tale enriches the debate by showcasing a radical form of canine intelligence – a dog that governs society, albeit in a mythic context.
The saga further attests that the dog Saur communicated ideas and moods through a range of sounds. This piece of folklore upholds the possibility of dogs possessing complex communication abilities, albeit different from those employed by humans.
Dogs in Mythology and Legends
| Legend/Myth | Context | Dog’s Role |
|---|---|---|
| Icelandic Saga of Eystein the Bad | Ruler | A dog named Saur ruled as king with the wisdom of three men. |
| Nyanga Folk Tale | Bringer of Fire | A dog named Rukuba negotiated for fire with the god Nyamurairi. |
| Story of Saint Roche | Saint’s Life Saver | A dog brought Saint Roche loaves of bread and tended to him during illness. |
| Story of Saint John Bosco | Bodyguard | A dog named Grigio protected Saint John Bosco and acted as his guardian. |
Perspectives on Dog Intelligence in History
- John Holmes rejected the idea of dogs being “almost human.”
- Charles Darwin stated intelligence differences between humans and animals is a matter of degree.
- R. Lachman, J. L. Lachman, and E. R. Butterfield distinguished human and animal behavior in mental processes.
- The Talmud Yerushalmi recognized dogs’ ability to recognize and acknowledge their owners.
- Aristotle believed in different degrees of mental abilities across species, including dogs.
- Saint Thomas Aquinas suggested humans and animals differ quantitatively in mental abilities.
- William James warned against confusing thinking with rearranging prejudices.
- Rene Descartes proposed animals, including dogs, lacked consciousness and were animate machines.
‘My little dog a heartbeat at my feet.’ (Edith Wharton)
Historical Views on Canine Intelligence and Abilities
The perspective towards dogs has of course evolved significantly over the eons of time that we have known each other.
Rene Descartes, a famous 17th-century philosopher, put forward the belief that considered dogs simply as biological machines with reflexive responses. He theorized that animals, including dogs, were essentially animate machines, void of any consciousness.
Juxtapose this with the opinions of ancient Greeks like Aristotle, who held a contrasting view about animal and specifically canine cognition. Aristotle, the Greek philosopher, asserted that mental abilities varied across different species, including dogs, which suggested he knew of their cognitive capabilities.
Pre-literate cultures, too, would often attribute intelligence, and sometimes even the power of speech, to dogs. This assortment of views paints a vivid picture of the fluctuating understanding of canine intelligence throughout history.
Folktale of Canine Heroes and Their Royal Status
Take the tale of Saur, a dog bestowed with a throne, royal garments, and even a gold collar during his reign, a true testament to the respect and prestige these animals commanded. His reign ended tragically; in a stark display of loyalty familiar to dog kind, he died protecting royal cattle from wolves—hinting at a possible conspiracy against him.
Another extraordinary tale comes from the Nyanga people, where a dog named Rukuba takes center stage. It doesn’t end with Rukuba bringing fire to humans—a crucial element in the evolution of civilization—but also features his decision to give up speech. He chose to do so to prevent misuse of his messaging abilities.
Heroic dogs, it seems, graced not only royal courts but also folktales, proving their value and importance in different cultures and times.
Psychology and Prejudice
The world of psychology isn’t immune to prejudice, and William James, one of the fathers of modern psychology, was quick to point out this pitfall.
No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as a dog does.
— CHRISTOPHER MORLEY
He warned against the danger of mistaking thinking for re-arranging prejudices.
It’s a reminder that one’s thinking doesn’t have to be just a rehash of pre-existing biases.
This viewpoint pushes us towards thoughtful introspection, cautioning us to discriminate between genuine ideation or analysis and unconscious bias – a crucial distinction in any intellectual endeavor (including understanding animal intelligence).
Anthropocentrism in Philosophy and Religion
In the 13th century, a philosopher named Saint Thomas Aquinas made influential observations concerning the intellectual capacities of humans and animals.
He amplified Aristotle’s philosophy, asserting that humans and animals display a quantitative difference in mental abilities. This viewpoint indicates a controversial connection between animal intelligence and the existence of souls, which has been a subject of many philosophical arguments. Simultaneously, the Jewish and Christian scriptural texts also carry depictions of animals, primarily dogs, with varying attitudes.
Aquinas’ philosophy suggests that there’s not just a difference, but a gradual range, in the cognitive faculties of human beings and animals. It provides a link between the intellect of a creature and the possession of a soul.
Though it’s controversial, it pushes humans to rethink their place in the natural world. Historically, religion, too, has engaged with animals on a similar level.
The Talmud Yerushalmi, a central Jewish religious text, remarks that dogs can distinguish and honor their owners, contrary to cats. This argues that dogs have recognition abilities, forging a profound bond with their human caretakers that cats may lack.
Thus, not only does it highlight the cognitive capacity of dogs but also questions the popular stereotype about cats’ aloofness.
Narratives of Dogs in Christianity
Historically, Christianity has held a mixed view of dogs, with both negative and positive narratives. Dogs are often portrayed as loyal friends, such as in the Book of Tobit, where the character Tobias is accompanied by a petite hound. Find out more about Tobias dogs in Christianity.
A fabled story from the Talmud also tells the tale of a dog sacrificing itself to save its master by ingesting toxic milk. These indicate that dogs have been perceived as loyal, selfless companions through various ages.
Several Christian saints are also associated with dogs. One example is Saint Margaret of Cortona, traditionally illustrated with a dog that guided her to her murdered lover.
Similarly, Saint Patrick, known for his association with dogs, tamed aggressive Irish wolfhounds aboard a ship around A.D. 400, demonstrating his calming influence.
The Book of Tobit’s tale paints dogs as the epitome of loyalty and companionship, with the small canine figuratively coming to symbolize faithfulness. Similarly, the Talmud’s fable emphasizes the sacrificial spirit prevalent in dogs, showing their capacity for selfless actions.
The bonds between dogs and saints, as depicted in the tales of Saint Margaret of Cortona and Saint Patrick, resonate with faith, guidance, and tranquility. In essence, these narratives applaud the virtues that dogs embody, hailed in Christianity for their unwavering loyalty and immense courage.
Dogs in Religious and Cultural Beliefs
From Islamic teachings to folk religions and ancient tales, dogs play a multifaceted role. Islamic tradition regards dogs as unclean but permits guard and hunting dogs.The Prophet Mohammed, while initially advocating for the eradication of stray dogs in Medina, changed his stance later.
- Dogs also make appearances in religious texts – the Koran’s story of the Seven Sleepers includes a faithful dog, Kitmir.
- Associations of dogs with death are embedded in several folk religions, symbolized often by their howling.
- In Japanese religion too, influenced by Buddhism and Shintoism, all surveyed veterinarians believed in the existence of souls and afterlives for dogs.
- Indigenous African stories also frequently cast dogs as deliverers of fire or skilled hunters.
Dogs’ Souls & Consciousness: Some early Science
Discussions on the existence of souls in dogs impact the scientific consensus on their intelligence and consciousness. The spectrum of views in the scientific community ranges vastly.
Historically, Aristotle argued that dogs, like humans, possess emotion. Conversely, early scientists and Descartes viewed dogs as animate machines, claiming their learning was akin to refashioning reflexes rather than engaging consciousness. This notion persisted in psychology, casting dogs as creatures lacking consciousness and being purely reflexive. However, other scientists, harmonizing with the view of Aristotle, believe that animal intelligence is similar to human intelligence, simply varying in extent.
Cultural and Social Factors shaping Views on Dog Intelligence
Cultural and religious beliefs permeate into the scientific study of animals’ intelligence.
This is clearly seen in the work of Bruce Fogle, a veterinarian who conducted a survey of British veterinarians about their perspectives on dogs’ souls and their afterlife. His findings encapsulate a variety of opinions, reflecting the diverse cultural and religious backgrounds of his respondents.
Similarly, the attitudes of psychologists, biologists, and ethologists towards dog intelligence often betray their cultural and religious influences. In fact, societal attitudes about dogs, moulded by religious, educational, and government institutions, impact our perspectives on dogs’ intelligence.
