A Conceptualist Reading of the Continuity Argument

Nicolás Alejandro Serrano

doi:10.22370/rhv2024iss26pp223-242

Authors

Nicolás Alejandro Serrano Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22370/rhv2024iss26pp223-242

Keywords:

conceptual content, non-conceptual content, perception, animal cognition, cognitive neuroscience

Abstract

In this paper I analyze the non-conceptualist continuity argument to show that it implies an implausible conception of perceptual experience in animals that are supposed to lack concepts. In order to do this, I show the limitations and implicit premises in the traditional formulations of the argument, and the additional premises needed to use it as an objection against conceptualism. Then, I review studies in cognitive neuroscience, ethology, comparative psychology, developmental psychology, and philosophical considerations to show that the argument implies a conception of animal experience that is at odds with our scientific theories and even with the motivations for adopting non-conceptualism. I conclude that, if we wish to defend the continuity between adult human’s and other animal’s experiences, we should do it by attributing concepts to the latter.

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