About this Research Topic
This research topic aims to explore the theoretical, methodological, and ethical issues surrounding animal consciousness. The primary objectives include examining the meaningfulness of the term "consciousness" in animals, identifying effective methodological approaches for its study, and understanding the ecological and evolutionary implications of consciousness. Additionally, the research will delve into the ethical considerations that arise from studying consciousness in non-human animals. By addressing these questions, the research aims to contribute to a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of animal consciousness.
To gather further insights into the complexities of animal consciousness, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Meaningfulness of the term "consciousness" in animals
• Methodological approaches to studying consciousness in animals
• Contextual and task-dependence of animal consciousness
• Ecological significance of consciousness in animal species
• Evolutionary implications of consciousness in social systems
• Potential role of consciousness as an adaptation for reproductive fitness in social systems
• Exploration of how consciousness may have evolved as an optimization strategy in social contexts
• Neural correlates of animal consciousness
• Sentience and self-consciousness in animals
• Philosophical and ethical reflections linked to animal consciousness
By bringing together diverse perspectives and addressing these topics, this article collection aims to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on consciousness in animals and provide a platform for exciting and insightful research in this field. Researchers are encouraged to submit their innovative studies that advance our understanding of animal consciousness and its implications.
Keywords: animal consciousness, psychology, ethics, neural correlates, evolutionary significance
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.