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Meaning in animal and human communication
1Evolutionary Anthropology Research Group, Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Dawson Building, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK, t.c.scott-phillips@durham.ac.uk.
Animal Cognition
|February 4, 2015
Summary
This essay clarifies the concept of meaning in communication, particularly for understanding animal communication. It defines what constitutes evidence of meaning comparable to human language.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Linguistics
- Animal Communication
Background:
- The concept of 'meaning' is central to understanding communication.
- Traditionally explored in philosophy and linguistics, it's increasingly vital for cognitive and comparative communication studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a clear definition of 'meaning' for scientific use.
- To connect 'meaning' with 'intentional communication'.
- To establish criteria for evidence of meaning in animal communication relevant to human language comparisons.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of the term 'meaning'.
- Exploration of the relationship between meaning and intentionality.
- Definition of evidential standards for animal communication.
Main Results:
- A framework for using the term 'meaning' is proposed.
- The link between meaning and intentional communication is explicated.
- Criteria for evaluating evidence of meaning in non-human communication are outlined.
Conclusions:
- A precise understanding of meaning is crucial for comparative communication research.
- Establishing robust evidence for meaning in animals requires specific criteria.
- This work facilitates more rigorous comparisons between human and animal communication systems.
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