←back to thread

What is it like to be a bat?

(en.wikipedia.org)
180 points adityaathalye | 1 comments | 03 Sep 25 17:48 UTC | HN request time: 0.352s | source
Show context
bee_rider ◴[03 Sep 25 19:16 UTC] No.45119466[source]▶
Can a bat answer the question of “what is it like to be a bat?” I mean, I guess they would have to be able to comprehend the idea of being, and then the idea that things might experience things in ways other than how they do. Bats don’t seem like very abstract thinkers.

I bet if we could communicate with crows, we might be able to make some progress. They seem cleverer.

Although, I’m not sure I could answer the question for “a human.”

replies(3): >>45119567 #>>45119946 #>>45121461 #
1. Dumblydorr ◴[03 Sep 25 20:16 UTC] No.45119946[source]▶
The very capability and flexibility of language drove evolution of the mind beyond what species with less linguistic behaviors could handle. After all, facility with language is a massive survival benefit, in our species more than any other. It’s circular because feedback loops in evolution are circular too.