The Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness
“Convergent evidence indicates that non-human animals have the neuroanatomical, neurochemical, and neurophysiological substrates of conscious states along with the capacity to exhibit intentional behaviors. Consequently, the weight of evidence indicates that humans are not unique in possessing the neurological substrates that generate consciousness. Non-human animals, including all mammals and birds, and many other creatures, including octopuses, also possess these neurological substrates.” They could also have included fish, for whom the evidence supporting sentience and consciousness is also compelling.
To read more: http://m.psychologytoday.com/blog/animal-emotions/201208/scientists-finally-conclude-nonhuman-animals-are-conscious-beings
[…] scientists *finally* conclude: nonhuman animals ARE conscious beings (hedgeconfessions.wordpress.com) […]
[…] scientists *finally* conclude: nonhuman animals ARE conscious beings (hedgeconfessions.wordpress.com) […]