Brain complexity, sentience and welfare
Animal Sentience August 3, 2026 DOI: 10.51291/2377-7478.1613 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Evolution Cognitive neuroscience Zoology Other animal sciences Cognition and perception Veterinary medicine Life sciences |
| Key points | Argues that invertebrates merit moral consideration because sentience is not limited to large-brained animals, and proposes that humans should be less human-centered in their ethical treatment of animals. |
Abstract
Neither sentience nor moral standing is confined to animals with large or human-like brains. Invertebrates deserve moral consideration. Definition of terms clarifies the relationship between sentience and welfare. All animals have welfare but humans give more protection to sentient animals. Humans should be less human-centred.