If an idea means to have mental images from the sense perceptions such as visual perceptions and memories, then the animals must have ideas just like humans do. Because they appear to be able to recognise many things and perform leisurely and survival tasks in intelligible ways based on their visual perceptions and memories.

But if an idea means the semantic elements, then animals definitely lack the possession of the mental concepts and abstract ideas based on linguistic expressions.

If we agreed on the claim that animals are supposed to be able to have ideas based on the sense perceptions and memories, then still, it is not clear if they would have the critical, analytic and abstract thinkings on the metaphysical topics such as the world, God, souls, immortality and death. I am prone to think they don't appear to, and it might not be a bad thing for leading a happier and simpler life, compared to humans tending to be worrying, thinking, analysing, criticising, doubting and contemplating about these issues due the possession of the extra layer of intelligence.

But if an idea means the semantic elements, then animals definitely lack the possession of the mental concepts and abstract ideas based on linguistic expressions.

Yes, this would indicate though that ideas are both semantic, abstract etc and part of conscious and subconscious mental processes of life, as we see in animals.

Perhaps the intellectual, analytical, contemplative thinking of humanity is just a thin layer on top of the more mundane thinking which is intrinsically part of life. Maybe people think that this thin layer is more important in life, the quality of life, than the mundane because it is such a concern for people. When seen in the round it is of very little importance other than in the advantages it offers in aiding survival in a competitive environment.

This brings me back to the thought that animals may have as rich, or richer life experience than people. Even though they might not be self conscious of the fact etc.

This brings me back to the thought that animals may have as rich, or richer life experience than people. Even though they might not be self conscious of the fact etc. — Punshhh

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