An approach to recognizing consciousness.

[gwand]

Streamlining the consciousness debate, from trees to hermit crabs

Beyond spirited dinner party debate, establishing which creatures have consciousness matters in terms of animal welfare and conservation policy. A Michigan State University philosophy scholar has added clarity to a messy philosophical debate.

phys.org

 

[GaryE]

Hmm, I seem to be a level headed mysterian.

When I was a child, I was raised to believe humans were special and unique, and was thoroughly shocked the first time an adult said we were animals like all the other species around us. That was a way simpler, surer world to believe in, but what's going on here is more fun to learn about. This is an exciting time to be alive. In 100 years, we stand to be getting somewhere.
I downloaded that paper and will give it a detailed read when I'm not stopping and looking in between thanksgiving activities.

I don't know how all this could affect animal welfare and conservation - we're humans and we'll probably ignore it all. We've proven to be very good at that. But it is very intriguing and thought provoking.

 

[gwand]

I think consciousness is on a continuum and not a binary phenomenon. “Simple” creatures probably have subjective experiences and a sense of self.

 

[GaryE]

I'm not into the supernatural, spirits, souls or ghosts, and I don't believe we can talk to other creatures (except my dog, and she's a lousy conversationalist back). I can't help but think a lot of people are sounding a bit like old fashioned animists. I've spoken with people who believe everything from trees to humans have spirits, and that doesn't add up to me. But I think with all the intelligences around us, we're in a world we can respect. It doesn't care if we worship it and most intelligences couldn't care less if we're here or not. But as I bash and destroy my way though my life, I am in an interconnected world with a lot of other creatures who are bashing and destroying in their own ways. It's kind of nice.