Ethics of uncertain sentience

Ethical questions around whether crustaceans, such as lobsters, are sentient and can experience pain, have been a topic of much debate. Nowadays, lobsters are usually considered sentient.[1]

The ethics of uncertain sentience refers to questions surrounding the treatment of and moral obligations towards individuals whose sentience—the capacity to subjectively sense and feel—and resulting ability to experience pain is uncertain; the topic has been particularly discussed within the field of animal ethics, with the precautionary principle frequently invoked in response.

  1. ^ Hunt, Katie (2021-11-22). "Lobsters and crabs are sentient beings and shouldn't be boiled alive, UK report says". CNN. Retrieved 2024-07-08.