Scholars Suggest Consciousness Could Be a Realistic Possibility in Birds, Fish, Squid, and Bees

Scientists and philosophers around the world agree that it is reasonable to assume that the vast majority of creatures on Earth, including lobsters, squid, and tiny flies, are sentient in some way.

The New York Declaration on Animal Consciousness, signed by 39 cognition scholars from universities in various countries, states that there is a “realistic possibility” that vertebrates and many invertebrates have conscious experiences.

Recent scientific studies show that various animals, from garter snakes to fruit flies, exhibit behaviors that suggest some level of cognition and consciousness.

Noam Miller, an associate professor of biology and psychology, emphasizes that the focus is on the basic ability to feel and have internal experiences, rather than complex thought processes.

While there is no concrete definition or test for consciousness, certain behavioral markers, like decision making and pain aversion, can indicate consciousness, and researchers are now applying these tests to simple creatures with surprising results.

The declaration challenges the assumption that these animals are insentient and encourages treating them as if they can potentially feel pain or have consciousness.

Understanding sentience in simpler animals could provide insights into consciousness in more complex beings, like humans, without the distractions of language and other complexities.