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Are plants cognitive? A reply to Adams.
Miguel Segundo-Ortin1, Paco Calvo2
1Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts, University of Wollongong, Australia.
Studies in History and Philosophy of Science
|March 28, 2019
Summary
This study challenges the idea that plants lack cognition. Evidence suggests plant behavior is analogous to animal behavior, supporting the concept of plant cognitive agents.
Area of Science:
- Plant Neurobiology
- Cognitive Science
- Philosophy of Science
Background:
- F. Adams argues that plants and bacteria lack cognition due to inflexible responses.
- This perspective posits that plants only react to immediate stimuli.
- The prevailing view often overlooks complex plant behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To challenge the notion that plants are incapable of cognitive activity.
- To present empirical evidence supporting plant cognition.
- To re-evaluate plant intelligence within broader cognitive science frameworks.
Main Methods:
- Reviewing F. Adams' arguments against plant cognition.
- Analyzing scientific evidence on plant adaptive behavior, decision-making, anticipation, learning, and memory.
- Introducing the concept of the plant 'phyto-nervous' system.
Main Results:
- Empirical evidence demonstrates plant behaviors analogous to animal behaviors.
- Plants exhibit adaptive strategies, decision-making, and memory.
- Plant responses are not solely hardwired or inflexible.
Conclusions:
- Plants can be considered cognitive agents in a non-metaphorical sense.
- The study advocates for a broader understanding of plant intelligence.
- This research aims to increase public awareness and discussion on plant cognition.
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