Jonathan Birch

Megan Barrett, an insect neurobiologist, discusses the evolutionary case for insect sentience. Jeff Sebo, specializing in ethics, explores moral considerations for AI systems. David Chalmers contemplates the feasibility of artificial consciousness, while Bob Fischer examines the moral weight of animals like chickens. Cameron Meyer Shorb highlights the suffering of wild animals, and Jonathan Birch warns about the nuances of newborn pain. The conversation challenges our understanding of consciousness across species and prompts deep questions about our moral responsibilities.

In this engaging conversation, Jonathan Birch, a Philosophy professor at the London School of Economics and author of 'The Edge of Sentience,' dives into the complexities of sentience across various beings, from humans with consciousness disorders to AI. He discusses the dangers of overconfidence in assessing sentience, emphasizing historical medical practices that overlooked suffering. Birch also explores ethical implications in policy-making and the evolving understanding of sentience in species like invertebrates and neural organoids, urging a careful, evidence-based approach.

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.

Join Jonathan Birch, a Professor at the LSE and author of "The Edge of Sentience," as he dives into the intriguing world of animal sentience. He discusses the critical differences between consciousness and sentience, shedding light on how various creatures experience emotions. Birch challenges traditional views on animal welfare, addressing the ethics of practices like boiling crustaceans alive. With insights into anticipatory reasoning in animals and recent scientific declarations on sentience, this conversation highlights our ethical responsibilities towards non-human beings.

Explore the fascinating world of animal sentience, revealing that species like lobsters and octopuses may feel pain and emotions. The discussion differentiates between sentience and consciousness, advocating for improved animal welfare laws. It emphasizes the moral responsibilities we hold towards sentient beings, even among invertebrates. The podcast challenges traditional views on intelligence and highlights the need for a precautionary approach in evaluating their welfare, especially in aquaculture. It's a deep dive into ethics and the emotional lives of animals.