Beyond the Roots An Exploration into the Realm of Plant Mind

The traditional discourse on the philosophy of mind has centered on animals and humans, neglecting the potential cognitive capacities of the plant kingdom. Recent scientific endeavors have unearthed compelling evidence of cognition in plants, challenging established notions and highlighting their apparent responsiveness to the environment. This Ph.D. thesis aims to delve

into the realm of the plant mind (cognition and consciousness), unraveling their cognitive processes to draw implications for our understanding of the mind (and consciousness) as exploring plant cognition offers a distinct vantage point when it comes to the concept of the mind. The predominant focus of mind studies in philosophy and science has traditionally

centered around humans and animals. By extending our investigations to include plant cognition, we have an unparalleled opportunity to transcend the anthropocentric approach, shift our view to the biogenic approach, and thereby broaden the scope of our understanding of what constitutes a mind in the universal context. This unique exploration allows us to transcend the

limitations imposed by focusing solely on familiar anatomical structures, paving the way for a more comprehensive and inclusive comprehension of cognitive phenomena across diverse life forms. With such a thesis, I aim to utilize and contribute to multiple fields, notably the philosophy of mind, metaphysics, environmental ethics, and its interdisciplinary intersections, including

cognitive science and psychology. I am particularly drawn to this topic due to its innovative approach to exploring cognitive phenomena, especially in unconventional contexts. My research endeavors intersect seamlessly with the overarching profile of your institution, aligning with the pioneering exploration of cognition in non-traditional subjects. I am keen to

integrate my investigations into the plant mind with the institution's commitment to innovative research, thereby enriching the academic landscape and fostering interdisciplinary dialogues. Even though my proposal might draw on the expertise of many members of the Department of Philosophy at Manchester, I would like to study with Dr. Raamy Majeed as my supervisor on

such a thesis. Being one of the best in his field, Dr. Majeed specializes in the philosophy of mind and philosophy of science and psychology, all the fields I'm inclined to construct my thesis upon.