The Science of Animal Sentience - Sentience and the Precautionary Principle
Society for Experimental Biology via YouTube
Overview
This course explores the concept of animal sentience, the importance of considering sentience, which animals are sentient, and the application of the precautionary principle. Students will learn about different types of evidence for sentience, guidelines for assessing it, and its implications. The teaching method involves a lecture format with a focus on definitions, cognitive and behavioral evidence, and practical guidelines. This course is intended for individuals interested in animal welfare, biology, ethics, and related fields.
Syllabus
Introduction
Sentience definitions
Why does sentience matter
Which animals are sentient
Sentience in fish
The precautionary principle
Four guidelines
What counts as evidence
Cognitive and behavioral evidence
Sentience evidence
proportionate evidence
conclusion
Taught by
Society for Experimental Biology