In simple terms, Edward Thorndike's statement suggests that there are two distinct perspectives when considering an animal’s life: one from within, based on its subjective experiences and internal sensations, and another from without, focused on observable behaviors and responses to stimuli. This duality emphasizes the divide between what can be directly observed and what remains a private experience.
The deeper meaning of Thorndike's statement touches upon the complex nature of understanding an animal’s consciousness and behavior. It highlights the challenge scientists face when trying to study animals, as they cannot ask them about their feelings or thoughts. Instead, researchers must rely on external observations and experiments to infer internal states. This quote also underscores the importance of considering both subjective experiences and objective behaviors in comprehensive studies of psychology and biology. By acknowledging these two dimensions, scientists can develop a more nuanced understanding of an animal's life and mental processes.
Edward Thorndike was a pioneering American psychologist known for his work in comparative psychology, particularly with animals. His research laid foundational principles that later influenced behaviorist approaches to studying human learning and motivation. Thorndike is best remembered for his studies on operant conditioning—how actions are shaped by their consequences—and the Law of Effect, which explains how behaviors tend to increase or decrease based on their outcomes. Through his work, he significantly contributed to our understanding of both animal and human behavior.
