I found this aspect of the topic particularly interesting because it elucidates the main requirement of a question, which I’d never thought of before: a theory of mind.
My cats ask me for food all the time… but this isn’t really a question, it’s a demand. Similarly, when they seek out information, it’s always a solitary endeavor. The closest they might come to an interaction with a human (or another cat) specifically for the purpose of gaining information, would be approaching or meowing with the presumed intention of provoking a reaction that illustrates the other’s mood. Even then it’s more like “try it and see what happens” rather than a cooperative communication. I don’t think they can conceive of another entity possessing information and being capable of sharing it.
Would love to hear of any counterexamples, though.
I found this aspect of the topic particularly interesting because it elucidates the main requirement of a question, which I’d never thought of before: a theory of mind.
My cats ask me for food all the time… but this isn’t really a question, it’s a demand. Similarly, when they seek out information, it’s always a solitary endeavor. The closest they might come to an interaction with a human (or another cat) specifically for the purpose of gaining information, would be approaching or meowing with the presumed intention of provoking a reaction that illustrates the other’s mood. Even then it’s more like “try it and see what happens” rather than a cooperative communication. I don’t think they can conceive of another entity possessing information and being capable of sharing it.
Would love to hear of any counterexamples, though.