Express Opinions Unit 1

1. Oskar Pfungst proved that Clever Hans wasnt able to

solve mathematical problems. Do you still believe that
Hans showed intelligence by learning to read the
movements of his questioners and audience members?
Yes, I do. Although Claver Hans didnt know how to solve
mathematical problems, he was smart in deciphering the
correct answer just seeing the reactions and emotions of its
owner and the public, and it is not something that anyone
can do because other animal that can do something like that
is the human being.
2. The author states that in order to evaluate animal
intelligence we have to test animals in situations that
are meaningful for them. Is it possible for people to
know what is meaningful for animals? How?
I think that it is possible to know what is meaningful for
animals because the animals are not so different from us
regarding primary needs. They have the necessity to eat
every day, they try to find their own foods learning different
techniques that show their intelligence; for example, a bear
can catch fishes in the river using his hands without help
from others. Also, a pack of wolves know how to catch a prey
using the technique of rounding and this is something they
learned by instinct. And there are more needs; for example,
animals have different ways to communicate each other
when they are under attack from other animals and also it
show their intelligence.