Non-Human Moral Status: Problems with Phenomenal Consciousness.

Consciousness is often thought necessary for moral status, but this paper argues that this assumption is too uncertain to guide policy on non-human animals. Policies should consider that psychological traits independent of consciousness might be sufficient for moral status. The author illustrates practical consequences of questioning consciousness-based views.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Consciousness-based approaches to non-human moral status maintain that consciousness is necessary for (some degree or level of) moral status. While these approaches are intuitive to many, in this paper I argue that the judgment that consciousness is necessary for moral status is not secure enough to guide policy regarding non-humans, that policies responsive to the moral status of non-humans should take seriously the possibility that psychological features independent of consciousness are sufficient for moral status. Further, I illustrate some practical consequences of calling consciousness-based views into question.