Out on a Limb

Abstract

It may seem like unwarranted editorial privilege to be allowed the opportunity to reply to a review of one's own book, although I am assured that the invitation does not arise from my role as editor. My fantasy would be to actually review the book, but that would clearly be beyond the bounds of decency. In any event, if I am honest, I have to admit that Bradshaw's review is probably more positive and generous, and certainly more helpful, than my own review would have been. Bradshaw rightly notes an evangelical tendency, and there is perhaps a resemblance between the scientific literature and the Bible, in that one can usually find in both what one wants to find. There is therefore probably little point in debating here the finer details of whether other species have theory of mind or intentional control over their vocalisations, or whether chimpanzee gestures in the wild are learned; these are important issues, but they will have to be resolved empirically. The bottom line, I think, is that it has prove...