> This is a political statement based on speculation, not a scientific breakthrough based on evidence. And what it's really about is animal rights (and perhaps

> This is a political statement based on speculation, not a scientific breakthrough based on evidence. And what it's really about is animal rights (and perhaps grant money for 'consciousness' research). If so, then it is striking, since animal research is fundamental in neuroscience. > Scientific and philosophical footwork are entirely lacking here That's unfair. The people there have enormous records of scientific accomplishment. > Among the weird suggestions of this document are that birds show a "parallel evolution of consciousness," implying that our common ancestors (ancient amniotes, lizardy things) were not conscious; also that whole classes of amniotes are not conscious. Indeed, that is troubling.