Exam 1: Sentience Flashcards
What is anthropomorphism
Attributing human characteristics, traits, emotions, and intentions to non-humans
What is critical anthropomorphism
Using human needs as a starting point for considering what animals may need in order to have a good life (or at least avoid suffering)
Definition of sentience
The capacity to experience suffering and pleasure
Implies a level of conscious awareness and consciousness of feelings
What is a sentient being
One that has some ability to evaluate the actions of others in relation to itself and 3rd parties
To remember some of its own actions and their consequences
To assess risks and benefits
To have some feelings
To have some degree of awareness
Is emotional capacity unique to humans
No
Likely all vertebrates and some invertebrates have complex emotions
Definition of speciesism
Attention to those species with whom we are familiar
Different levels of consideration are sometimes given to different animals as a consequence of their species rather than any evidence in their ability to feel positive or negative emotions
Definition of precautionary principle
Risk management strategy that states if there is a perceived risk to a practice, in the absence of scientific proof and consensus of the risks, err on the side of caution
What should be done if there is a potential threat to an animal
Precautionary measures should be taken to mitigate the threat even if the cause and effect relationships have not been fully established
Animal sentience recognition
The notion that animals are sentient, thus capable of positive and negative feelings such as happiness and pleasure as well as pain and fear, and that animals have needs and feelings
Animal Sentience Journal
First academic, peer-reviewed, scientific journal to focus on the capacity of non human animal to experience feelings
What happens if needs of sentient beings not satisfied
Suffering
What happens with pleasant sensory input in sentient beings
Positive emotions
Satisfaction and happiness
What does most animal welfare scientists and vet clinical work focus on
Prevention of animal suffering
Where is focus of animal welfare scientists and vet clinical work shifting to
Providing positive experiences and enabling a good life
Life worth living
