The discussion revolves around the concept of animal sentience, exploring definitions, implications, and the burden of proof in debates about whether animals possess consciousness and subjective experiences. Participants examine the philosophical and scientific dimensions of sentience, including varying levels of awareness and emotional capacity among different species.
Participants express differing views on the definitions and implications of sentience, with no consensus reached on the nature of animal consciousness or the burden of proof in the debate. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing perspectives presented.
Limitations in definitions of sentience and awareness are acknowledged, as well as the complexity of subjective experience, which remains a point of contention among participants.
Originally posted by russ_watters
Assuming that animals are conscious and sentient without evidence one way or another is presumptive - that's pretty much the definition of the word.
The "guilty until proven innocent" is just not giving people enough credit for having thought through their opinions.
In a court of law, a person is assumed innocent until proven guilty partially for the purpose of strength of proof but also partially to set a default position until the evidence can be heard. You and I have evidence on which to base our opinions, so I don't see any need to assume it, we just have to choose our standard of proof.
Do you think that anyone has had strong enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that other species are not capable of consciousness and feeling?
Originally posted by selfAdjoint
Feeling yes, consciousness, not obviously so. Animals can feel and remember and have aims, but that doesn't add up to consciousness.
I think yoiu have to have at least the capability for language to be conscious. You may not have language itself (Helen Keller before Miss Sullivan broke through to her) but the capability is linked to things going on in your head that are a necessary part of consciousness (evidence, introspection. Look for yourself).
Main Entry: con·scious·ness
Pronunciation: -n&s
Function: noun
Date: 1632
1 a : the quality or state of being aware especially of something within oneself b : the state or fact of being conscious of an external object, state, or fact c : AWARENESS; especially : concern for some social or political cause
2 : the state of being characterized by sensation, emotion, volition, and thought : MIND
3 : the totality of conscious states of an individual
4 : the normal state of conscious life <regained consciousness>
5 : the upper level of mental life of which the person is aware as contrasted with unconscious processes