Animals have their own normative systems and problem-solving abilities that differ from humans.
Human intelligence has both advantages and disadvantages, including existential dilemmas and potential negative emotions.
Deep dives
Animal cognition and behavior studies
Justin Gregg, an expert on animal cognition and behavior, discusses his journey and interest in studying animals. He explains that animals possess their own forms of intelligence, and humans should not underestimate their cognitive abilities. Gregg emphasizes that animals have their own normative systems and ways of problem-solving that may differ from humans.
Challenging assumptions about animal intelligence
Gregg argues that human intelligence is unique but not necessarily superior. He suggests that the concept of intelligence evolved differently in animals, and their success in the natural world does not rely on human-like cognitive abilities. He challenges the assumption that intelligence is always advantageous and suggests that it may even be detrimental to human survival as a species.
The complexity of defining animal success
The podcast explores the concept of success in the animal kingdom. Gregg discusses different ways to define success, such as longevity or sheer numbers. He proposes that animals that experience the least unhappiness and the most pleasure in their daily lives could be considered the most successful species.
The limitations of human intelligence
Gregg argues that human intelligence has both advantages and disadvantages. While intelligence allows humans to solve complex problems and seek meaning in life, it also poses existential dilemmas and can lead to anxiety and negative emotions. He raises concerns about humans' ability to unite and address existential threats, suggesting that our intelligence may not be beneficial in the long term.
Justin Gregg is an animal cognition expert -- he studies what goes on inside the heads of other creatures, and what that means for us. He’s a captivating science writer: one of his specialties is explaining whether dolphins are actually smart, and his most recent book is “If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal.” In an expansive conversation, Justin and Adam discuss what makes the human mind unique, muse over the life lessons we might learn from the animal world, and debate whether or not, when it comes to consciousness, ignorance is really bliss. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts
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