Substance Concepts and Property Concepts in Non-Human Animals

Abstract

This paper has two central aims. Firstly, I will present a variety of conceptual pragmatism according to which some concepts are abilities to identify substances and properties, showing that the creature that has these abilities satisfies, in different degrees, a group of important requirements for concept possession. Secondly, I will defend the viability of extending this approach to non human animals, by examining empirical evidence which shows: i) that different animals can identify substances in their surroundings, and ii) that some birds and primates can also identify certain functional properties.