Dogs do not have Theory of Mind: THE PROOF

While at our dinosaur conference this past weekend, you raised an interesting point, Deepusaurus. I say "interesting," but what I really mean is "wrong." You said that dogs have Theory of Mind. This is wrong. And I have proof.

For those of you without a past (or future) in cognitive science, Theory of Mind is "the ability to attribute mental states—beliefs, intents, desires, pretending, knowledge, etc.—to oneself and others and to understand that others have beliefs, desires and intentions that are different from one's own." This is a direct quote from science.

It's generally agreed that children develop Theory of Mind between the ages of 3 to 4, however some research points to some ToM development in children as young as 12 months. But let's forget children and move to the matter at hand: DOGS.



Through painstaking research I have found evidence contrary to your so-called Theory of Canine Mind. That evidence being the hit CW show, One Tree Hill.



Now, I always thought this show was about Chad Michael Murray playing basketball but really it's about disproving your ToCM. Some set up- Evil Dad, Dan, is waiting for the heart to arrive for his heart transplant, but WAIT!



"HA," say I! Mr. Golden Death-triever had no idea of Dan's desire for a heart transplant. If he did, maybe he would have layed off the human heart sandwich.

Unless, you were to suppose that the dog DID understand Dan's needs and PURPOSELY ate his heart to murder him for all his evil ways.

You got me, Dog, you got me.

Inspirations from our New Leader

Hi Zaradon, 

I just wanted to tell you how impressed I was with the change happening in America after the instatement of Barack Obama as our president.  Putting aside the economy, the white house fountain turning green on St. Patrick's day, and the fact that Sarah Palin is not in the cabinet, things are changing.  

I am reminiscing about this past Saturday when we went to that Dino Pow-wow and played Asshole the card-game.  You know the one where people play a card game and people are put into the power of president, and they take/reap the benefits of the player in last place, the asshole. Well, I was inspired that our president's behavior encouraged the president in the game (15 points for Marc) to take on a strategy that was more caring towards those in the trenches, the hard working souls that couldn't cut a break (i.e. Taby).  

The way he decided to let Taby give whatever card she felt was fare as opposed to her best card resulted in:

 (1) a happier environment for all of those playing 

and 

(2) a sense of inspiration about the future of America that commanded me to write this post.  

I think the event exemplified that we can have equality and justice for all, without white-male power reaping all the benefits.  I am pretty sure Taby still gave cards that were fair, and Marc administered equally fair cards back.  I think it was nice to see equal sharing, generosity, and camaraderie across all of the classes implemented by the captilistic nature of this game. What a relief!  Thank you Barack, Michelle, Malia (but not Sasha).  

In conclusion,  Marc's the best, Obama's the second best, Sarah Palin in a close third, and Taby for not taking advantage of the generosity of the "president", which i think we could all do given the chance!

Sincerely, 

D. Rex

P.s.  If you don't post soon I will hunt you down, make a vocal call to have my cousin-brothers surround you, and take a bite out of your jugular.  

Hi Z-Don,

I hope you weren't hunted by a family who was trying to go on vacation and got sent back to a prehistoric world where they meet up with some locals including Tasha (an intelligent dino), Stink (a monkey man), and Christa (another human).

Well I thought I would drop you a quick line regarding my recent anger towards gender normativity and the prevalence of masochistic, chauvinistic barriers placed on the English language.

What am I talking about you ask. I am talking about impotence. I realized today that impotence simultaneously means (1) without power and (2) lack of an erect phallus. I think that this double meaning for impotence begins to entwine and associate the ideas of masculinity and power in a subversive, but impactful manner. I think these phallocentric boundaries inherent in our language may be underlying gender discrimination that currently exists in our society. Women don't have as many top CEO jobs, and they get paid less for the CEO jobs that exist. It is probably because the english language won't even let them obtain power without a phallus.

D. Rex

Zaradon!!!! I am back

Hi Zaradon,

Roarrrr, that last meteorite crash/volcanic explosion really brought on the dark ages. I thought I might have been able to type in that dark environment, but it was way too hard. Well, luckily 2 months later I can write to you again.

Well recently, I have been working on an exam and I finished half of it. Unfortunately, after living in D.C., every time I finish half of something , I always start singing living on a prayer in my head. And I hate it. It doesn't matter if it is half way through a paper, half way through a television program, or halfway through hunting a Craciliceratops mongoliensis (discovered in Santonian-campanian, Mongolia).

The problem is that once it is in there it is stuck. The only way to get rid of it is to think of other awful frat-party songs they still choose to play in Adam's Morgan, such as Just Like a Prayer, Pour Some Sugar on Me, etc.

So in conclusion Z-don here is a quote for facebook or away messages: For thoseof you who are deciding if the glass is half full or half empty, maybe you should just be thankful that it isn't full of Bon Jovi.

Sincerely,
D. Rex