Philosophy 239 - Animal Minds and Ethics

Animal Minds & Ethics

Fall
2025
01
4.00
Michael Carrick

M F 10:50 AM - 12:05 PM

Smith College
PHI-239-01-202601
Sabin-Reed 331
mcarrick@smith.edu
Over the past few decades there has been an explosion of research on animal consciousness. This class examines three interrelated issues: (i) questions of animal consciousness, (ii) issues related to the study of animal consciousness, and (iii) how current understandings of animal consciousness should impact our treatment of animals. Discussions include: whether animals have beliefs and desires, whether animals have a conception of the self and others, problems of researching animal consciousness, which animals are sentient, the ethics of animal experimentation and captivity, and whether there is evidence of cognition in plants. (E)
Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.
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