The presence of mind: on reunifying the animal mind and body

摘要

The compassion and empathy people have for the hundreds of millions of animals that are endearingly regarded as "innocent"--the pets to which they are inseparably bonded, as well as all the other sentient creatures on this Earth--engender a great respect and admiration for the veterinary profession, which is seen as having devoted itself to caring for these beings. The public recognizes the noble role of'the veterinary profession and has assigned to veterinarians the moral stewardship of animals) Veterinarians have proudly accepted this manfie--and the responsibility that comes with it--and have presented themselves as the ones best suited and trained to fill this privileged position. Even so, the profession that has committed itself to the relief of suffering in animals not only concedes any leadership role in the science of animal suffering but is, at best, peripherally involved with this rapidly advancing field. The veterinary profession is at a very real risk of being left behind altogether as the field of cognitive sciences and animal mental lives progresses with little meaningful veterinary involvement.