Animals have 'souls' by the information definition. Present computers, fetuses and simple animals do not because there is insufficient information to constitute consciousness. I'll admit there is a lot of assumption there, given that we don't know how much information is necessary for consciousness or even if there is a demarcation.
I take it as obvious that higher animals like other mammals are conscious. Roaches are probably not - at least I hope not because I squash the little fuckers whenever I have the chance. A human fetus is probably conscious at some point. I don't know if one at 6 months is or not so I am uncomfortable with abortion at that stage. I'm comfortable at 3 months. A human brain at that stage is still more complex than a roach but there is no higher brain, which we believe is where consciousness resides.
I take it as obvious that higher animals like other mammals are conscious. Roaches are probably not - at least I hope not because I squash the little fuckers whenever I have the chance. A human fetus is probably conscious at some point. I don't know if one at 6 months is or not so I am uncomfortable with abortion at that stage. I'm comfortable at 3 months. A human brain at that stage is still more complex than a roach but there is no higher brain, which we believe is where consciousness resides.
Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former.
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein
