Cognitive Ethologist: Ravens in subarctic habitats reliably adjust their food-caching strategies depending on whether they were observed by dominant conspecifics, which demonstrates intentional deception. Any animal that exhibits intentional deception must have the capacity for second-order mental representation. Therefore, subarctic ravens possess a theory of mind.
The cognitive ethologist's conclusion follows logically if which one of the following is assumed?
- AAny animal that possesses a theory of mind exhibits intentional deception when competing with dominant members of its group.
- BSubarctic ravens cannot adjust their caching behavior without being aware of the physical presence of other birds.
- Any animal that has the capacity for second-order mental representation possesses a theory of mind.Answer
- DDominant conspecifics in subarctic raven groups always possess a more sophisticated theory of mind than subordinate ravens.
- EAdjusting food-caching strategies in response to dominant conspecifics is the only reliable indicator of intentional deception.
Answer
The argument's conclusion is logically guaranteed by assuming that any animal having the capacity for second-order mental representation possesses a theory of mind.
The argument establishes a linear conditional chain: subarctic ravens adjust caching strategies, which proves intentional deception, which in turn proves the capacity for second-order mental representation. The conclusion introduces a new concept ('possesses a theory of mind'). The statement that any animal with the capacity for second-order mental representation possesses a theory of mind seamlessly bridges the final link of the premises directly to the conclusion, ensuring deductive validity.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Sufficient Assumption in Formal Conditional Logic
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