The problem of consciousness

Abstract

Consciousness is the capacity for subjective experience. Sentience, slightly different, is the ability to have positive and negative experiences. A central question in animal ethics is determining which beings are sentient and thus deserve moral consideration. While the exact mechanisms underlying consciousness remain unknown, a centralized nervous system is necessary for its emergence. Organisms without a centralized nervous system, like those with only reflex arcs, lack the information processing required for subjective experience. Although the neural correlates of consciousness are being investigated, a definitive understanding remains elusive. Therefore, a precautionary approach suggests granting moral consideration to any animal with a centralized nervous system, acknowledging the possibility of sentience. This is particularly important because sentient beings can experience both positive and negative states, and their well-being should be considered. – AI-generated abstract.