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September 1, 2017
Q. For a quick wise-up on the subject of epistemology, the science of knowledge, what are some fascinating facts about what animals know?
A. Though difficult to assess, the ability to know what others are aware of has been observed in non-human animals such as elephants, chimps, parrots, dolphins and ravens, says Michael Brooks in New Scientist magazine. For example, elephants that have never been at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi, Kenya, but know others who have, often turn up with injuries that need attention, report workers at the rescue center. It's almost as if the elephants know they will be looked after there, suggesting not only abstract knowledge but relatively sophisticated communication of the knowledge.
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