Abstract

DANON, Laura. Substance Concepts and Property Concepts in Non-Human Animals. Crítica (Méx., D.F.) [online]. 2013, vol.45, n.133, pp.27-54.  Epub Mar 19, 2020. ISSN 0011-1503.  https://doi.org/10.22201/iifs.18704905e.2013.712.

This paper has two central aims. Firstly, I will present a variety of conceptual pragmatism according to which some concepts are abilities to identify substances and properties, showing that the creature that has these abilities satisfies, in different degrees, a group of important requirements for concept possession. Secondly, I will defend the viability of extending this approach to non human animals, by examining empirical evidence which shows: i) that different animals can identify substances in their surroundings, and ii) that some birds and primates can also identify certain functional properties.

Keywords : animal concepts; identification; Millikan; conceptual abilities; conceptual pragmatism.