I do agree that higher-order consciousness is unlikely to be necessary for sentience, but some disagree (not any of the authors here, AFAIK), and showing them that there’s a good chance many animals are capable of higher-order consciousness could lead to further consideration for these animals’ interests. Unfortunately, this may neglect many animals whom we think aren’t capable of higher-order consciousness or even entrench the view that higher-order consciousness is necessary.
Agreed!
I do agree that higher-order consciousness is unlikely to be necessary for sentience, but some disagree (not any of the authors here, AFAIK), and showing them that there’s a good chance many animals are capable of higher-order consciousness could lead to further consideration for these animals’ interests. Unfortunately, this may neglect many animals whom we think aren’t capable of higher-order consciousness or even entrench the view that higher-order consciousness is necessary.