Philosophy

Event Time: Friday 1st May 9:00 – 18:00

While once neglected among philosophers, animals have recently become much more central to philosophical debates, from the philosophy of mind to ethics and political philosophy. In part, this reflects the growing public demand to take animal rights and welfare more seriously. Thanks to the work of philosophers, the UK government even changed their legislation to recognise octopuses and decapod crustaceans (shrimp, lobsters, crabs) as sentient creatures worthy of protection. The study of animal minds has profound implications for how we ought to treat other species. As our understanding of animal cognition, sentience, and emotional capacities continues to advance, philosophers and scientists face pressing questions about what these discoveries entail for ethics, policy, and philosophy itself.