ARE ANIMALS

CONSCIOUS?
HOW NEW
RESEARCH IS
BBC NEWS - 15/06/2024

CHANGING
MINDS
 01
Darwin's Controversial Idea: Animal
Consciousness
Charles Darwin, renowned for his theory of
evolution, also suggested that animals have
consciousness akin to humans, an idea long
dismissed by many animal behavior
experts as scientific heresy. The traditional
view argued against attributing human-like
traits to animals due to the lack of scientific
evidence and methods to test animal minds.
 02
New Evidence
and Research
on Animal
Consciousness
Recent research has revealed surprising abilities in
animals that suggest a form of consciousness. Bees
can count, recognize human faces, and use tools, with
experiments showing they modify behavior after
traumatic events and engage in play. Prof Lars Chittka
of Queen Mary University supports the notion that
these behaviors could indicate consciousness. Prof
Jonathan Birch from the London School of
Economics highlights a growing interest in studying
animal consciousness across various fields. Other
examples include octopuses avoiding pain, cuttlefish
 03
Reevaluating
Animal
Consciousness:
Implications and
Future Directions
The debate on animal consciousness is evolving,
with new evidence challenging long-held views
and suggesting a need for broader research
beyond higher animals like monkeys and
dolphins to simpler creatures. The New York
Declaration on Animal Consciousness, signed by
286 researchers, calls for considering welfare
risks based on emerging evidence. Government
reviews, such as Prof Birch's assessment of
decapod and cephalopod
 04
Discussion Questions
How should the new evidence of
animal consciousness change the
way we treat and study animals?

What does the possibility of

consciousness in ani-
mals like bees and octopuses tell
 Are animals conscious? Some scientist
.com)

THAN
KS