Pursuing an understanding of animal consciousness: Implications for animal morality and a creaturely theology
Verbum et Ecclesia March 15, 2016 DOI: 10.4102/ve.v36i3.1442 (opens in new tab) via DOAJ
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe article examines how new research on consciousness, especially in animals, raises questions about animal rights, morality, and the development of a creaturely theology and theological primatology. It explores understanding nonhuman animals through concepts like consciousness, thinking, awareness, language, and communication, emphasizing the role of emotion. Special attention is given to animal communication as revealed in bonobo and other chimpanzee research. Building on awareness and communication, the article discusses animal morality and aspects of a creaturely theology, situating these issues within the context of an increasingly trans-human techno-scientific environment.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Animal consciousness Animal communication Animal morality Creaturely theology Animal ethics |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key finding | Argues that understanding animal consciousness, communication, and morality is central to developing a creaturely theology and addressing animal rights in a trans-human era. |
Abstract
The importance of animals in the evolutionary history of homo sapiens comes to the fore in light of an increasingly trans-human techno-scientific environment. New research on consciousness, and animal consciousness in particular, has prompted questions relating to animal rights, animal morality and the emergence of a creaturely theology and theological primatology. The possibility of understanding nonhuman animals is investigated with reference to notions like consciousness, thinking, awareness, language and communication, including the importance of emotion in communication. Special attention is given to the nature of animal communication as it came to the fore in bonobo and other chimpanzee research. Building on the notion of awareness and communication, the article focuses on the notion of animal morality and comments on some aspects of a creaturely theology.