Are Animals Conscious Like We Are?

The Dreams of Dogs and The Meaning of an Observed Universe

Why Does The Universe Have Any Meaning?

Pondering the moral value of animals, the intuitive conclusion seemed to be that animals indeed have value, but somehow not quite equal to that of us humans.

Most people can agree here: While you would never intentionally harm an animal you would also certainly choose the life of a human over the life of an animal. Why is that and what justifies this bias of superiority?

I would simply say that human life is of higher value because it is indeed the origin of value. By definition, things can only hold value when there is someone to hold that value. Animals cannot assign conscious value to humans nor to each other. Many animals kill and torture indiscriminately, while humans can become vegans and pacifists. Examples of altruism are not often known to extend beyond the animal's immediate kin or exigent circumstances, while it is not uncommon for a person to sacrifice their labor for the benefit of the disadvantaged in lands they are likely to never see. Whereas an “animal” does not deny their instinct for a greater purpose, it is not uncommon for humans to forego their own will for the good of a stranger, for poetic value or in the name of “making the world a better place.”

Values cannot be set above or equal to human life because human life, as the source of conscious observation, is logically prior to value.

In other words, the subject is nothing without the object and the object is meaningless without the subject.

My dog, Happy (it’s an ironic name) is quite anxious and frequently has bad dreams in which no is no doubt engaged in warfare with some long-gone antagonist. In my procrastination, I like to wonder what it might be he remembers, and what pieces his imagination inserts into his dreams.

But wait...if dogs can dream, aren't they conscious?

So, my dog can dream, right? Therefore, my dog has an imagination. Therefore, my dog can ASPIRE. So, what is it exactly that keeps us from that last logical step; That Happy can indeed derive fulfillment and meaning from his conscious existence and, in turn, provide meaning to the universe sans mankind?

There are levels to conscious experience, based on the degree to which you can participate in your own existence. As we will see, however, while each level comes with more life, more meaning, and more enjoyment, each advancement also comes at a price.

Level 1 Consciousness: “Material Autonomy”

The first level of consciousness is essentially non-consciousness. Though, it is necessary to distinguish them from innate matter. Things like bacteria and insects do not have a will but are materials with the power to affect change and reproduce. They have “interests” in the loosest use of the term (Yes, as of now this includes plants).

The price they pay for their autonomy is death.

Level 2 Consciousness: Mammals, Birds, & Reptiles

At level two you have a more complex mind. As discussed you can dream, and imagine yourself in different circumstances. This indicates some level of self-awareness, yet there is still something missing.

The price animals pay for their consciousness is pain and suffering (along with the previous prize tier: death)

Level 3 Consciousness: Why Humans Are Unique.

It is undeniable that humans experience “being” on a level unknown to our co-inhabitants. As conscious observers, we are able to appreciate beauty, participate in justice, derive fulfillment, and pursue a higher meaning in life.

The price we pay for our enhanced access to ourselves is “sin.”

In other words, complex emotional pain, injustice, guilt, betrayal, existential torment, and other sufferings beyond the surface-level affliction.

Some may describe this phenomenon as consciousness plus a soul.

Level 4 Consciousness?

If we were to speculate on some advanced form of consciousness we could transcend to I would have to say this may be our separation of consciousness from our material selves Ie. death. Though, I suppose I can conceive of no reason it would be impossible for someone to achieve this experience and live to tell us, level-three peasants, about it.

The next level of consciousness is likely to experience being as your infinite self without the confines of a universe towards destruction and life onto death. Throughout history, many have feared that the price of this progression will be eternal death (or worse, eternal suffering) perhaps this explains, in part, man's constant search for a deity or savior to pay this price of entry for us.

Thanks for reading!