Human-Animal Similarity and the Imageability of Mental State Concepts for Mentalizing Animals

Abstract The attribution of mental states ( MS ) to other species typically follows a scala naturae pattern. However, “simple” states, including emotions, sensing, and feelings are attributed wider range animals as compared the so-called “higher” cognitive abilities. We propose that such attributions based on perceptual quality i.e. imageability) representations related concepts. hypothesized highly imaginable is more dependent familiarity participants with when low in imageability. In addition, we also assessed how animal agreeableness, animals, type human-animal interaction judged similarity humans. Sixty-one (19 females, 42 males) rural (n = 20) urban 41) background rated twenty-six wild domestic for their perceived humans ability experience set : (1) Highly imageable joy, anger, fear, (2) imageability: capacity plan deceive. Results show agreeable familiar were considered human-like. Primates, followed by carnivores, suines, ungulates, rodents human-like than xenarthrans, birds, arthropods, reptiles. Higher ratings given similar so if high Familiarity was only relevant