Scientists Claim Animals, Including Insects, May Be Sentient

In recent years, scientists have made several new discoveries about animal behavior. Bees have been observed rolling wooden balls, seemingly at play. The cleaner wrasse fish can recognize its reflection in a mirror underwater, and octopuses apparently react to anesthesia and avoid places where they’ve experienced pain or unpleasantness.

These findings, all within the past five years, suggest that, as scientists continue to study animals more closely, they uncover evidence many species might have inner lives and be sentient.

In other words, a variety of creatures, including insects, fish, and even some crustaceans, might have inner experiences or be aware of their surroundings, as reported by NBC News.

A team of leading researchers in animal cognition has released a new statement aiming to change how both scientists and society perceive and treat animals.

“The New York Declaration on Animal Consciousness”

Nearly 40 researchers have endorsed “The New York Declaration on Animal Consciousness,” which was introduced during a conference at New York University.

This declaration is significant, as it comes at a time when a wealth of research on animal cognition intersects with discussions about how different species should be treated.

Top researchers have declared that many animals may be sentient.

Recent discoveries and experiments on animal cognition have shown surprising results, such as bees playing with wooden balls, cleaner wrasse fish recognizing their own reflection, and octopuses reacting to… pic.twitter.com/af5r6KByjL

— Dave Villalva (@DaveJWVillalva) April 22, 2024

Based on the declaration, there is solid scientific evidence supporting the idea that birds and mammals possess conscious experiences. Additionally, it implies there is a reasonable chance consciousness exists in all vertebrates, including reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

Furthermore, the possibility of consciousness extends to many invertebrates, such as insects, decapod crustaceans (i.e. crabs and lobsters), and cephalopod mollusks, examples of which are squid, octopus, and cuttlefish.

No universal definition for animal sentience

While there isn’t a universally accepted definition for animal sentience or consciousness, these terms typically refer to the ability of animals to have subjective experiences.

This includes sensing and understanding the outside world, as well as having emotions like happiness or pain. In certain cases, it also implies a level of self-awareness.

The recent declaration challenges long-standing scientific beliefs. In the 17th century, French philosopher René Descartes proposed that animals were essentially “material automata,” devoid of souls or consciousness. This viewpoint has been a cornerstone of scientific orthodoxy for centuries.

Rajesh Reddy, an assistant professor and director of the animal law program at Lewis & Clark College, explained Descartes’ belief that animals couldn’t feel or experience suffering. Descartes viewed feelings of compassion or empathy towards animals as somewhat foolish or exaggerated in the attribution of human qualities to them.

In the early 20th century, influential behavioral psychologists advocated for a scientific approach that focused solely on observing animal behavior rather than delving into their emotions or subjective experiences.

However, a shift began in the 1960s, when scientists started to reconsider this perspective. Research efforts began to concentrate on animal cognition, particularly among primates.