Alkis Gounaris

Abstract: This chapter of the edited volume Cognition and Consciousness in Animals offers an introduction to the philosophy of animal cognition and consciousness. It begins by mapping the interdisciplinary field of research and the different levels of description through which the study of behaviour, cognitive and computational functions, and the neurobiological basis of mind is organised. The chapter then clarifies the role of philosophy within this field, particularly through epistemology and the philosophy of science. It provides a concise overview of the principal terms that constitute the conceptual framework and draws attention to subtle differences in their meaning across different areas of the scientific disciplines. At the same time, it outlines the main philosophical issues involved in conceptual clarification and emphasises the importance of each researcher's initial stances towards these concepts, since such assumptions shape the development of research methodology and the conclusions ultimately reached. Finally, the chapter presents a brief account of the main obstacles to studying animals' mental states, with particular emphasis on language, anthropomorphism, theory-ladenness, and the epistemological limits posed by the problem of other minds. The aim of this introduction is to enhance conceptual coherence within the field and to show that recognising the anthropocentric commitments underlying the study of animal cognition, intelligence, and consciousness is a necessary first step towards overcoming them. Such recognition can help appreciate the richness and diversity of mental phenomena that emerge through animals’ interactions with their environments.

Keywords: mind; cognition; intelligence; consciousness; animal cognition; anthropomorphism; theory-ladenness; problem of other minds; philosophy of mind; philosophy of cognitive science; language and animals

Gounaris, A. (2026). Mia Eisagoge sti Noisi kai sti Syneidisi ton Zoon [An Introduction to Animal Cognition and Consciousness]. In Gounaris, A., (Ed.). Noisi kai Syneidisi sta Zoa [Cognition and Consciousness in Animals]. The NKUA Applied Philosophy Research Lab Press: Athens, Greece (pp. 11–77). https://doi.org/10.12681/aprlp.266