A Spanish philosopher discusses her recent work on how various animal species, including orcas, process and understand death, advocating for a broader perspective on animal cognition.
Lessons from Animal Responses to Death: Insights from Orcas and Ants
Lessons from Animal Responses to Death: Insights from Orcas and Ants
Exploring comparative thanatology, a philosopher highlights the emotional depths of animal behavior towards death.
In the summer of 2018, a poignant incident off the coast of British Columbia captured global attention when an orca named Tahlequah gave birth to a calf that lived for only 30 minutes. Unwilling to part with her deceased offspring, Tahlequah carried the calf's body with her for over two weeks, balancing it on her nose while swimming. This touching act resonated deeply with Susana Monsó, a philosopher studying animal minds at the National Distance Education University in Madrid.
“Observing a mother’s grief is relatable to those who have experienced similar loss,” says Dr. Monsó, shedding light on this emotional connection between humans and orcas. This event sparked widespread interest, prompting discussions about the capabilities of non-human species regarding emotions and death.
Yet, Dr. Monsó cautions against anthropomorphism—the tendency to attribute human emotions and characteristics to animals without sufficient evidence. While it's essential to avoid projecting human experiences onto other species, it’s equally important to reconsider the cognitive and emotional landscapes of animals. In her new book, “Playing Possum,” she posits that several species possess at least a basic understanding of death.
Dr. Monsó reflects on the implications of these findings, suggesting that they challenge long-standing beliefs about human emotional uniqueness. By studying the ways animals confront mortality, she encourages a broader and more nuanced understanding of non-human minds.
“Just as we react emotionally to loss, animals too may have their own ways of processing death, and recognizing this can deepen our appreciation for their experiences,” she concludes, inviting further exploration into the rich tapestry of animal cognition and emotion.
“Observing a mother’s grief is relatable to those who have experienced similar loss,” says Dr. Monsó, shedding light on this emotional connection between humans and orcas. This event sparked widespread interest, prompting discussions about the capabilities of non-human species regarding emotions and death.
Yet, Dr. Monsó cautions against anthropomorphism—the tendency to attribute human emotions and characteristics to animals without sufficient evidence. While it's essential to avoid projecting human experiences onto other species, it’s equally important to reconsider the cognitive and emotional landscapes of animals. In her new book, “Playing Possum,” she posits that several species possess at least a basic understanding of death.
Dr. Monsó reflects on the implications of these findings, suggesting that they challenge long-standing beliefs about human emotional uniqueness. By studying the ways animals confront mortality, she encourages a broader and more nuanced understanding of non-human minds.
“Just as we react emotionally to loss, animals too may have their own ways of processing death, and recognizing this can deepen our appreciation for their experiences,” she concludes, inviting further exploration into the rich tapestry of animal cognition and emotion.
