Jon AS, Thanks for the references from 1891 and 1896. That is evidence for Peirce's thoughts about minds or quasi-minds prior to 1903. But it would be useful to see more explicit mention of animals.
On related issues, following is an excerpt from a note that I sent to Ontolog Forum about the need for recognizing intentionality as fundamental to every aspect of human and animal activity. There are many nominalists who refuse to admit intentionality as fundamental to all life. John ___________________________________________________________________ From RC:
In summary, intentionality would seem to be an unmeasureable value. Nice theoretical touch, but what good would it be for processing realistic models of behavior? Is there a way to obtain more realistic measurements?
No. The first step to solving a problem is to recognize that there is a problem. The second step is to remove the barriers that are created when you deny that you can't do anything about it. Congratulations on taking the first step. But now you have to take the next step: Recognize that intentions are fundamental to everything that people and other animals do. Furthermore, every business, social event, and government action depends critically on intentions. Signs, such as signing a contract or just shaking hands, are critical methods for showing intentions. And they are admissible as evidence in a court of law. Intentionality *must* be recognized at the very top of any ontology that is adequate for business, engineering, finance, law, government... The overwhelming majority of the time, people correctly interpret the intentions of other people and animals. Do you have a pet? If so, you probably have a good idea about your pet's intentions. People don't always tell the truth, but most people have a fairly good sense that somebody is lying or at least not saying everything that is on their mind. In fact, anthropologists who study chimps and bonobos say that they are often better at detecting human intentions than other humans -- primarily because they look at what people do, not at what they say. Even your pet dog or cat has good insights into your intentions. Have you ever tried to conceal your intentions about taking them to the vet? For more about these issues, see http://jfsowa.com/pubs/signs.pdf
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