Rethinking Animal Consciousness Research to Prioritize Well-Being.
Liv Baker, Barbara J King, William S Lynn
Cambridge quarterly of healthcare ethics : CQ : the international journal of healthcare ethics committees April 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1017/s0963180124000501 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Belmont report Animal agency Animal consciousness Animal dignity Animal wellbeing Bioethics Ethical research practices Non-invasive research Precautionary principle Scientism |
| Key points | Argues that the NY Declaration on Animal Consciousness fails to adequately address animal suffering and proposes a nonanthropocentric ethical framework emphasizing noninvasive research and the intrinsic value of conscious beings. |
Abstract
The authors critique the NY Declaration on Animal Consciousness, which does not denounce continued captivity and invasive research in the pursuit of animal consciousness markers. They argue that such research often increases animal suffering by accepting harmful practices. Instead, they propose a nonanthropocentric, ethical framework aligned with the Belmont Report's principle of beneficence, advocating for noninvasive methods in natural habitats. This approach prioritizes animal well-being, recognizing and safeguarding the intrinsic value of all conscious beings.