The Gray Area with Sean Illing What do animals feel?
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Dec 16, 2024 
In this thought-provoking discussion, Jonathan Birch, a philosopher of science and principal investigator on the Foundations of Animal Sentience Project, tackles the complex questions surrounding what animals feel and the ethical responsibilities we have toward them. He emphasizes the need to consider sentience in a broader range of beings, including octopuses, insects, and even AI. Birch highlights recent UK legislation aimed at protecting marine animals and the profound challenges we face in distinguishing genuine sentience from mere intelligence across species.
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Sentience Definition
- Sentience encompasses the capacity for both positive and negative feelings, extending beyond mere pain.
- It includes emotions like anxiety, boredom, pleasure, and joy, crucial for ethical considerations.
Sentience vs. Consciousness
- Sentience is the foundational layer of consciousness, representing the raw experience of feelings.
- Consciousness may involve additional layers like sapience (reflection) and selfhood (self-awareness).
Risk of Uncertainty
- Uncertainty about sentience poses a risk of causing suffering to other beings.
- This risk should guide our actions toward caution and minimizing potential harm.
