Animal consciousness - why it's time to rethink our human-centred approach
Our motives for classifying animals may be more about guilt than curiosity.
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Our motives for classifying animals may be more about guilt than curiosity.
If we sincerely believe that our index finger is five times bigger than it really is, our sense of touch improves. Researchers demonstrated that this is the case in an experiment in which the participants were put under professional hypnosis. When the participants signaled that they understood the opposite hypnotic suggestion that their index finger was five times smaller than it actually was, their sense of touch deteriorated accordingly. The study shows that our tactile perception is affected and can be altered by our mental processes.
While we may enjoy the company of companion animals or a fleeting encounter with wildlife, many people believe humans have a superior consciousness of the world we live in.
Our motives for classifying animals may be more about guilt than curiosity.
There is a debate within research as to which animals have consciousness. There are also various views as to how consciousness can be expressed.