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- Townsend, Simon William, et al.
(author)
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Exorcising Grice's ghost : an empirical approach to studying intentional communication in animals.
- 2017
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In: Biological Reviews. - : Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Inc.. - 1464-7931 .- 1469-185X. ; 92:3, s. 1427-1433
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Language's intentional nature has been highlighted as a crucial feature distinguishing it from other communication systems. Specifically, language is often thought to depend on highly structured intentional action and mutual mindreading by a communicator and recipient. Whilst similar abilities in animals can shed light on the evolution of intentionality, they remain challenging to detect unambiguously. We revisit animal intentional communication and suggest that progress in identifying analogous capacities has been complicated by (i) the assumption that intentional (that is, voluntary) production of communicative acts requires mental-state attribution, and (ii) variation in approaches investigating communication across sensory modalities. To move forward, we argue that a framework fusing research across modalities and species is required. We structure intentional communication into a series of requirements, each of which can be operationalised, investigated empirically, and must be met for purposive, intentionally communicative acts to be demonstrated. Our unified approach helps elucidate the distribution of animal intentional communication and subsequently serves to clarify what is meant by attributions of intentional communication in animals and humans.less thanbr /greater than (© 2016 Cambridge Philosophical Society.)
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- Duenser, Benno, et al.
(author)
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Attitudes towards plants - exploring the role of plants' ecosystem services
- 2024
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In: Journal of Biological Education. - : Routledge. - 0021-9266 .- 2157-6009.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- With biodiversity loss as one of today's most pressing global problems, it is crucial to raise public recognition of this crisis and promote acceptance of conservation efforts. Plants, which typically struggle with low awareness ('plant blindness') and less emotional connection than animals with humans, are facing a special challenge. Promoting positive attitudes towards, and interest in, plants might provide the key to resolve this discrepancy. This study aims to differentiate attitudes and interest within the plant awareness framework while at the same time identify criteria for developing positive attitudes and interest towards plants in students. In a mixed-method approach, a questionnaire with closed and open items on attitudes and interest was developed and administered online to 179 students aged 9-19. Quantitative as well as qualitative results show that 'attitudes towards plants' can be differentiated from 'interest in plants'. Attitudes towards plants were positive, whereas interest in plants was rather low, with cultural and regulating ecosystem services acting as primary reasons for students' positive attitudes. These two components can be easily incorporated in botany teaching in order to promote plant awareness and increase knowledge about their crucial role in ecosystems and global climate, thus raising acceptance for conservation.
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