Scientists Declare Possibility of Widespread Animal Consciousness

A group of top researchers has published the New York Declaration on Animal Consciousness, stating that there is strong scientific support for conscious experience in birds and mammals, and a realistic possibility of consciousness in all vertebrates, as well as many invertebrates such as insects, crabs, and cephalopods like octopuses and cuttlefish. The declaration argues that it is irresponsible to ignore the possibility of conscious experience in animals when making decisions that affect their welfare.

Recent research has found evidence suggesting that a surprising range of creatures, including cleaner wrasse fish, octopuses, and bees, exhibit signs of consciousness and sentience. Behaviors observed in these animals, such as bees playing with balls, fish recognizing their own reflections, and crayfish self-medicating with benzodiazepines, indicate they may possess cognitive abilities and subjective experiences.

Why this matters: The findings challenge historical scientific orthodoxy that animals lack consciousness or the ability to feel, and suggest the need to reconsider how animals are viewed and treated. This research represents a significant shift in the scientific understanding of animal minds over the past 10-15 years, with new cognitive tests being applied to a wide range of species and revealing unexpected capabilities.

The declaration focuses on 'phenomenal consciousness', or the subjective experience of an organism. "The declaration stops short of claiming animal consciousness is certain or proven, but states that decades of literature show strong scientific support for consciousness in mammals and birds, and the realistic possibility of consciousness in creatures like reptiles, octopuses, crabs, and insects," the researchers stated. They agreed that if such a possibility exists, welfare risks should be considered and the evidence should inform responses.

While some scientists expressed concerns about overstating the evidence, the declaration's authors argued it was a conservative assessment of the current state of the science. The report follows the 2012 Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness, which found that mammals and birds have the capacity for intentional behaviors and consciousness.

The implications of this changing understanding of animal sentience could have significant impacts on laws and policies related to animal welfare, particularly in the United States, where animals are not classified as sentient on a federal level. Recognizing animals as sentient beings raises questions about humane treatment, especially in industries like farming and food production.

The New York Declaration on Animal Consciousness aims to draw greater attention to the issue of non-human consciousness and the ethical challenges it presents. The scientists acknowledged that the forms of consciousness in different species may vary significantly, and that understanding these differences is an important challenge as research in this field continues to expand and shape our view of the animal kingdom.

Key Takeaways

• Top researchers published the New York Declaration on Animal Consciousness, stating strong scientific support for conscious experience in many animals.
• Recent research found evidence of consciousness and sentience in diverse creatures like fish, octopuses, and bees.
• The findings challenge the historical view that animals lack consciousness, suggesting a need to reconsider how animals are viewed and treated.
• The declaration focuses on 'phenomenal consciousness' and the possibility of consciousness in creatures like reptiles, octopuses, crabs, and insects.
• Recognizing animal sentience raises ethical questions, especially for industries like farming, and could impact animal welfare laws and policies.