The Fallacy of Immaculate Perception

• Human Judgements of Animal Actions by John Fentress, 10/10/97
  
  

Dear John,

Your idea for HUMAN JUDGEMENTS OF ANIMAL ACTIONS sounds intriguing! I worked as a professional animal trainer for over 20 years. My work, however, was not confined to working with animals of the four-legged variety. Owners, too, had to learn how to utilize what I taught their animals. This provided me with the opportunity to observe animals--two-legged and four-legged--interacting and trying to understand one another.

I agree with you that human perception of animal behavior is often biased. From my own experience, I would say that the most common error arises from the human tendency to attribute abstract motives or concepts to animals that are, essentially, concrete thinkers.

Needless to say, I would like to hear more about your proposed project.

PS You mentioned wolves…Many years ago, when little was known about them, I hand-raised a young wolf for a client.

Lee

• Maybe They are Just Being There (Here) by John Fentress, 10/18/97
  • Cats and Mystics by Lee, 10/23/97