Insect Sentience with Bob Fischer

Our Hen House: Vegan & Animal Rights Movement | Stories from the Frontlines of Animal Liberation

Philosopher and researcher Bob Fischer joins us to explore the fascinating and complex world of insect consciousness. From fruit flies being used as depression models to bees playing with marbles, discover how new science is challenging everything we thought we knew about sentience. Through candid discussion about the scale of insect farming, the evidence for insect consciousness, and the practical implications for animal advocates, Bob helps us navigate these challenging ethical waters with both wisdom and humility.

Key Discussion Points:
• Current scientific evidence for insect sentience
• The scale and scope of insect farming
• Practical implications for animal advocates
• Balancing different forms of animal advocacy
• The future of insect welfare science
• Navigating moral uncertainty

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Bob Fischer is a senior researcher at Rethink Priorities and associate professor of philosophy at Texas State University, where he specializes in animal ethics and applied ethics. As director of the Society for the Study of Ethics and Animals, he has published extensively on animal rights, ethics, and epistemology. His current research focuses on insect sentience and the moral implications of emerging science about animal consciousness.

• Bob Fischer’s website

RESOURCES

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  • The Barrett Lab

INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT

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