The Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness

The Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness, made in 2012 by scientists at the University of Cambridge, states that many animals, including mammals and some birds, possess the neurological capacity for consciousness, similar in basic ways to humans. It highlights that these animals have complex brain structures responsible for awareness, perception, and feelings. The declaration emphasizes that consciousness is not uniquely human, raising ethical considerations about how we treat animals with these capabilities. Overall, it advances the scientific understanding that consciousness is rooted in specific brain processes, extending across various species.