Authors Daniel J. Povinelli and Daniel J. Povinelli discuss the issue of understanding animals (“Can Animals Empathize?” 1998). They put forward various theories about whether monkeys conjecture and how they perceive the reflection in the mirror. Scientists put on different views about various primate species and their ability to feel empathy. The mirror test shows how much the mammal can perceive what is happening in the mirror as a reflection of itself, or they think that they are watching someone else just like that. The topic is essential because it is associated with human children’s development psychology and expresses an indicator of self-awareness in animals.
The mirror experiment is whether the animal will understand what is reflected in the mirror. Gordon Gallup, Jr. claimed that yes. He tested different creatures and found that only Chimpanzees, orangutans, and humans recognize themselves in the mirror. The experience with gorillas has been mixed because they avoid eye contact naturally. Animals reacted to the applied marks they could easily see but did not notice the spots that could only be observed in the mirror.
The experiment with chimpanzees proved animals perceive the reflection in the mirror as their own since they viewed and touched the red marks applied during sleep that could only be seen in the mirror. It means that animals are capable of self-knowledge and self-identification. However, it will take some time for the chimpanzee to get used to it and understand how the mirror works. During the experiment, they did not immediately react and understood what was happening. Age also plays an important role. Here we can draw an analogy with human children; they begin self-identification at 18 to 24 months.
Daniel j. Povinelli agrees that great apes are capable of self-determination. It means that they perceive the self-concept as people do. However, this is where their abilities are limited. The scientist conducted additional experiments, which consisted of determining the type of reaction in monkeys. He argues that animals have a motor self-concept, not a psychological one. It means that the monkeys are guided only by instincts and learning skills.
The scientist conducted an experiment in which the monkeys had to turn to one of the testers to get benefits. Participants were in various positions, with their backs turned, blindfolded, with the bandage on their mouths, or with an object on their heads. The idea was to understand whether the monkey would realize that the experimenter who had previously given a banana would not react to her gestures if he was blindfolded. As a result, chimpanzees did not always understand correctly who to turn to.
Povinelli’s point of view is more topical. I think this is a continuation of the theory study put forward by Gallup. The scientist examines in more detail the concept of self-determination in animals. It is expressed in the concretization of self-perception in animals. Likewise, he conducted an experiment with human children. The meaning of the experiment was the same as with animals. The children were given a sticker on their foreheads and filmed.
After watching the video, many kids did not understand that they were on the tape and thought about another child. Additionally, children, because of their lack of self-acceptance, believe that another similar child is behind the mirror. Povinelli’s argument is powerful enough. Longer and more varied observations are needed to refute it. In conclusion, Cognitive Specialization develops in humans with age, and any species of animals cannot form a rational idea of ​​another individual’s psychological state.
References
Can animals empathize? (1998). Scientific American, Inc. Web.