植物認知

When we think of creatures that have minds, we typically think of ourselves, homo sapiens. In some cases, we might also attribute minds to other non-human animals. Perhaps other primates, cats, and dogs are cognitive creatures too. But what about plants? The idea that plants have minds might sound unlikely or even impossible, but some contemporary scientists and philosophers suggest that plants are intelligent. Trees, flowers, and vegetables may be planta sapiens. In this course we will explore the issue of whether plants have minds and engage in cognitive processing. Do plants think? Can they remember or anticipate the future? Are plants sentient? Indeed, what would it take for a plant to count as having a mind? What, in fact, is a mind? This course looks at possible answers to these questions. Objectives The goal of the course is to further students’ familiarity with some of the fundamental issues in philosophy of mind and cognition with a focus on plant cognition. By the end of the course students should be comfortable discussing some of the central problems in this field, offering critical responses to proposed solutions to these problems, and using their understanding to engage critically with the theories. Specifically, students should will be able to: 1. Demonstrate an awareness of central problems in Philosophy of Plant Cognition. 2. Understand and analyse arguments in the relevant literature. 3. Critically evaluate these theories and arguments. 4. Develop their own views or perspectives through consideration and analysis of the views and arguments presented in the unit, and to present their own views with clarity and rigour. 5. Develop clarity of thought; clarity of verbal expression; clarity of written expression and exposition.

English

Evaluation Students are requested to come to each class with 2–3 questions for discussion, and lead the discussion in one class, and this participation in the discussions will count for 40% of the final grade. Students will be required to write a short final paper on a topic of their choice (3000 words, 60%).

Selected Readings Calvo, P. (2022). Planta Sapiens: Unmasking Plant Intelligence. London: The Bridge Street Press. Chamovitz, D. (2017). What a plant knows: A field guide to the Senses. New York: Scientific American/Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Colaço, D. Why studying plant cognition is valuable, even if plants aren’t cognitive. Synthese 200, 453 (2022). Maher, C. (2017). Plant Minds: A Philosophical Defense. New York: Routledge. Mancuso, S., & Viola, A. (2015). Brilliant Green: The Surprising History and Science of Plant Intelligence (J. Benham, Trans.). Washington, DC: Island Press.