2-HeadedGiraffe: Alex and the Question of the Mind
Alex has died.
From what I've heard, it sounds to me as if he and some other animals (such as gorillas like Koko who can use sign language or a pair of chimps from whom I wish I had a link who they taught to associate symbols and even combinations of letters with different objects) have some understanding of the meanings of words. It seems they are able to learn to express thoughts and desires. They're individuals with unique brains that are, even if only on a simple level, capable of communicating with us. I would not be in the least surprised to find out we shared this little blue-green marble with a number of other sentient or at least presentient species.
Sometimes, when people ask if we're alone, I wonder if the answer isn't a little closer to home than they imagine.
But that's all just speculation.
Mood: Saddened and Curious
Music: From down the hall
Etc: Japanese Class
Alex has died.
From what I've heard, it sounds to me as if he and some other animals (such as gorillas like Koko who can use sign language or a pair of chimps from whom I wish I had a link who they taught to associate symbols and even combinations of letters with different objects) have some understanding of the meanings of words. It seems they are able to learn to express thoughts and desires. They're individuals with unique brains that are, even if only on a simple level, capable of communicating with us. I would not be in the least surprised to find out we shared this little blue-green marble with a number of other sentient or at least presentient species.
Sometimes, when people ask if we're alone, I wonder if the answer isn't a little closer to home than they imagine.
But that's all just speculation.
Mood: Saddened and Curious
Music: From down the hall
Etc: Japanese Class
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