Communicating Beyond Words

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Exploring the power of communication through unspoken language, this chapter delves into conveying extraordinary experiences and beliefs without elaborate justifications. The discussion spans from the cognitive abilities of animals like elephants to the ethical treatment of animals and the potential impact of written communication in advocating for marginalized groups. Reflecting on the profound connection between elephants and their silent communication, the chapter raises questions about humanity's responsibility towards understanding and respecting other species.

David and Tamler talk about Caitrin Keiper’s wonderful sprawling essay on elephant life and society and the many philosophical questions surrounding these extraordinary creatures. What kind of mental states can we attribute to them? Do they have a kind of language? Are they moral? What are our moral duties to them? What accounts for the long-standing taboo against ‘anthropomorphizing’ elephants and other complex non-human animals? And lots more.

Plus, a new segment “there should be a German word for this” - we come up with new German words for common phenomena or experiences. And a big announcement in the promo segment about the podcast going forward.

Please consider supporting a long-time listener’s attempt to get their family out of Gaza.[gofundme.com]

Links:

Do Elephants Have Souls? by Caitrin Keiper [thenewatlantis.com]