Do animals doubt?!?

Question

can they have doubt?!

Answer 1

Step 1. Isolate the human meaning of doubt.
Once you have a scientific definition, I think you will find there is no human emotions or responses that are not mirrored in at least 1 type of animal.

The problem arises when we attribute un-scientific characteristics to humans, then use them to show we are of a higher order than animals.
A soul, intelligence etc.
We cannot study the indefinable.

Answer 2

I would say yes.

All animals hesitate, which can be said to be a form of doubt. This is seen in species such as lions, tigers, birds of prey, sharks etc which hesitate before attacking. This leads to them missing a meal.

Watching a animal being hunted, they look up, sniff the air, 'Hmm somethings up!' they may be thinking, but then they resume feeding, and end up being eaten. That has to be doubt.

Young birds often hesitate before flying, perhaps doubting if they will lift of when they jump and flap their wings.

Watching pets such as cats feeding, they sniff the food, perhaps doubting if it is edible, but once they know they eat it.

Wild animals are cautious, particularly around humans, Caution is a form of doubt. 'Is it safe? I don't know, better be very wary'. This is also seen when an animal is put into a new environment.

Answer 3

Sure. My dog always doubts whether he can walk across the kitchen floor because the tile is glossy and he slips. he always makes it, but everytime he's faced with the challenge, he forgets that he can do it so he doubts, then hesitates, then stresses, panics, and finally overcomes the doubt with a sort of faith, and goes for it! Success yet again.

Answer 4

I can tell you don't own a dog.
You've never seen frustration untill you've seen a dog who knows there's something to eat on the table, but he's been told not to beg.
What to do? Jump on the table? Beg anyway? Sit around waiting for titbits? Give up and get nothing?
If that is not doubt I don't know what is.

Answer 5

I like to think so. That would be cute.
My friend's cat apparently doubted the wisdom of going out into the garden the other day when it was snowing. She shook her little head.

Answer 6

I doubt it. No. All you need for proof is to see all the road killed deer and other animals that litter American highways.

Answer 7

If you mean suspicion,YES
Anything unusual creates doubt prompting hesitation and caution.

Answer 8

they can demonstrate caution ..but doubt? - no