Perception and Animal Minds

Abstract

In this article I propose a variety of conceptualism against the non-conceptualist objection according to which conceptualism is not able to appropriately explain animal perception. Firstly, I outline McDowell’s position on animal minds. Secondly, I point out some conceptual problems in it. Thirdly, I suggest a way to extend conceptualism to the animal kingdom in order to both solve McDowell’s inconsistencies and accommodate some empirical evidence about certain intellectual capacities attributed to certain animals. Finally, I present two arguments for rejecting non-conceptualism. The resulting position is a minimal or deflationist version of conceptualism according to which certain non-human animals are able to participate in the logical space of reason even when they are not capable of justifying their beliefs or actions.