Can nonhuman intelligence ever be understood by humans?

We encounter forms of intelligence that do not think, perceive, communicate, or inhabit the world as we do. Animals see colors we don’t, dance maps, and sense the magnetic fields of the planet. Plants eat light and can call the predators of their own pests. And Artificial intelligence pushes us to consider what we actually mean by the word “intelligent.” What would it mean to understand an intelligence whose way of knowing may be fundamentally unlike ours?

Scoundrels is Philosofarian’s weekly philosophical conversation. No special expertise required. Just come ready to think with other people.

This project is funded in part by a grant from Oregon Humanities.

A note about Saturday Scoundrels: Saturday gatherings are alcohol-free. Coffee, tea, and light brunch bites are available. Shout out to Cambium Gallery for providing the caffeination!