This post summarizes the 2019 perspectives of the authors (some of whom continue to lead the Rethink Priorities research on animal sentience) on whether different taxa are sentient. The writing uses relatively little references to sentience studies, especially for taxa of which sentience has not been extensively researched. The piece does not include a definition of sentience, although the ability to experience pleasure and pain and to have emotions is suggested in different parts of the writing. The post does not introduce the notion of the intensity of conscious experiences. The writing emphasizes the importance of further research but does not summarize specific questions.
In conclusion, this post presents several Rethink Priorities researchers’ opinions on an important topic while specifying that Rethink Priorities should continue its research. Because the post does not introduce opportunities for further involvement and since some of the authors elaborated on this writing in 2020, I suggest that readers interested in animal sentience explore more current writing on this topic.
This post summarizes the 2019 perspectives of the authors (some of whom continue to lead the Rethink Priorities research on animal sentience) on whether different taxa are sentient. The writing uses relatively little references to sentience studies, especially for taxa of which sentience has not been extensively researched. The piece does not include a definition of sentience, although the ability to experience pleasure and pain and to have emotions is suggested in different parts of the writing. The post does not introduce the notion of the intensity of conscious experiences. The writing emphasizes the importance of further research but does not summarize specific questions.
In conclusion, this post presents several Rethink Priorities researchers’ opinions on an important topic while specifying that Rethink Priorities should continue its research. Because the post does not introduce opportunities for further involvement and since some of the authors elaborated on this writing in 2020, I suggest that readers interested in animal sentience explore more current writing on this topic.