From orcas carrying their dead calves to peccaries snuggling with fallen family members, stories of animals engaging in what appears to be mourning behaviors have long captivated human imagination. But do these poignant scenes truly reflect an understanding of mortality akin to our own? In her thought-provoking book “Playing Possum,” philosopher Susana Monsó dives deep into the complex question of whether animals grasp the concept of death.
The Spectrum of Death Comprehension
Monsó argues that the understanding of death is best viewed as a spectrum rather than a binary. At the most basic level, she proposes a “minimum concept of death” that comprises two key ideas: non-functionality and irreversibility. In other words, an animal must recognize that a deceased individual no longer performs its usual functions and will not do so again.
While this may seem like a low bar compared to human notions of mortality, Monsó contends that even we struggle to fully comprehend the idea of no longer existing. She quotes Spanish philosopher Miguel de Unamuno, who wrote, “try to fill your consciousness with the representation of no-consciousness, and you will see the impossibility of it.”
Ants and Oleic Acid
At the lower end of the spectrum, Monsó examines the behavior of ants, which are known to remove their dead from the nest. While this might appear to demonstrate a recognition of death, she argues that it is merely a stereotypical reaction to the presence of oleic acid in the corpses rather than a cognitive understanding.
Chimpanzees and Varied Responses
In contrast, higher primates like chimpanzees display a range of emotional reactions to the loss of group members, suggesting a more sophisticated grasp of death. These varied responses, which can include grief-like behaviors, indicate that they comprehend the finality of death on a cognitive level.
The Pitfalls of Anthropomorphism
Monsó cautions against the human tendency to project our own understanding of death onto animals, a bias known as anthropomorphism. She critiques the methods used in comparative thanatology, the study of death in the animal kingdom, which have included presenting elephants with the skulls of their deceased kin and snaring ants to observe their reactions.
We must be careful not to let our own emotional responses color our interpretations of animal behavior.
– Susana Monsó
While such studies aim to shed light on animal cognition, Monsó argues that they often reveal more about the cruelty and wrongheadedness of our own species. She emphasizes the need to approach these questions with humility and to recognize the limitations of our ability to truly enter the minds of other creatures.
Confronting Our Own Mortality
Ultimately, Monsó suggests that exploring animals’ understanding of death may help us come to terms with our own mortality. By recognizing that we are not alone in grappling with this profound concept, we may find solace in our shared existential struggle.
However, she acknowledges that even with all of philosophy’s definitions and concepts, we may never fully comprehend what it means to no longer exist. In this sense, humans and animals may be more alike than we realize, united by the great leveler that is death.
Key Takeaways
- Death understanding exists on a spectrum across species
- Anthropomorphism can distort our interpretations of animal behavior
- Studying animal responses to death may shed light on our own mortality
- The full comprehension of non-existence may elude both humans and animals alike
As we continue to probe the depths of animal consciousness and cognition, Monsó’s work serves as a compelling reminder to approach these questions with both curiosity and humility. By confronting the mysteries of death across species, we may gain a greater appreciation for the rich inner lives of our fellow creatures and, perhaps, a more profound understanding of our own place in the grand cycle of life and death.
