Animal Life and Intelligence

Name: Animal Life and Intelligence
Author: C. Lloyd Morgan

By C. Lloyd Morgan

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Science - Biology

About This Book

The work surveys animal physiology, development, and behavior to infer mental processes in nonhuman animals, opening with organic evolution and the physical bases of life such as respiration and nutrition. It examines reproduction, growth, variation, and heredity, considers mechanisms proposed for inheritance, and explains natural selection, isolation, and adaptation including mimicry and protective resemblance. Attention is given to the contrast between instinct, habit, and learned intelligence, with examples illustrating gradations of mental capacity. Human reasoning and moral agency are treated as distinct yet still subject to underlying biological laws, and scientific evidence is combined with philosophical analysis throughout.

About the Author

C. Lloyd Morgan

C. Lloyd Morgan was a prominent British psychologist and biologist, known for his significant contributions to the study of animal behavior and intelligence. His works, such as "Animal Behaviour" and "Animal Life and Intelligence," explore the cognitive processes of animals, emphasizing the importance of understanding their mental states. Morgan's approach, often referred to as the 'Morgan's Canon,' advocates for interpreting animal behavior in the simplest terms possible, avoiding anthropomorphism. Additionally, he delivered the Herbert Spencer Lecture in 1913, where he discussed the intersection of philosophy and science, further showcasing his intellectual breadth. His insights continue to influence the fields of psychology and ethology.