Reasons without language: the case of non-human animals

Abstract

The paper puts forward the thesis that non-human animals are able to operate with
reasons. It argues that the flexible individual conduct is evidence of instrumental
rationality and that the context of a practical problem –like tool use by chimpanzees–points toward the existence of deliberative thought. Reasons can be seen as mental representations and deliberation as a way to operate with series of
representations. Finally, it is suggested that a communicative infrastructure –such
as the one elucidated by Tomasello– makes it possible to communicate reasons
without language.