Other Minds by Peter Godfrey-Smith: book review

Other Minds: The Octopus and the Evolution of Intelligent Life (2017) is the philosophy of science by a scuba diving scientist.

It begins in 2009 on the east coast of Australia, where Peter Godfrey-Smith is interested in the interactions between humans and cephalopods: ‘an island of mental complexity in the sea of invertebrate animals.’ Then he goes right back to the very beginning – the bilaterians before the Cambrian – evolution and revolution.

He makes a connection between ‘seaborne cells’ in the mind to a discussion on the way the octopus manipulates objects. He presents not only his view on octopus intelligence, but also the work of neuroscientists. The octopus has a large nervous system and a ‘complex active body’ with ‘rich sensory capacities’ which means that they have heightened senses.

He also discusses the exploratory and curious nature of the octopus. He ponders why their camouflage skills are excellent, yet they can’t discern colours. Why is this intelligent invertebrate so intelligent? Lifespan plays a role, says Godfrey-Smith as he examines many different reasons. Its ability to squeeze through narrow openings, its ability to hide and confuse its prey, and does living in cold, deep water also play a part?

The study of this solitary ocean animal is presented in an easy, informative way, but with a sense of passion and intrigue.

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MARTINA NICOLLS

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MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of: The Paris Residences of James Joyce (2020), Similar But Different in the Animal Kingdom (2017), The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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