If animals are persons, should they bear criminal responsibility?

Share This Post

Animal trials from the 16th century may have seemed like a backward practice, but they tell us a lot about how non-human consciousness was understood at the time. Through the story of Barthélemy de Chasseneuz, who defended a group of rats accused of eating a crop in Burgundy, we can learn that animals were thought to have some degree of autonomy, and were even given legal representation. In modern times, organisations like the Nonhuman Rights Project are pushing for greater legal recognition of non-human animals, and while the legal system remains slow to embrace change, we have learn that we shouldn’t underestimate the intelligence of animals. Read full article here

More To Explore

Societal Issues

To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater

With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here

Science

A look inside the lab building mushroom computers

The Unconventional Computing Laboratory at the University of the West of England is pushing the boundaries of computing, working to see if mushrooms can be used to carry out computing and sensing functions. By stimulating the mycelium—the branching, web-like root structure of the fungus—researchers can get it to produce electrical activity and see if it can be used to create complex, multi-dimensional functions that are more precise than traditional computers. This could lead to a whole new world of possibilities, such as using mushrooms to create fault-tolerant, energy-efficient computers and even mapping neural networks. It’s truly a fascinating field of study – and one that could shape the future of computing. Read full article here

Do You want to embrace intellectual freedom and join our premium users?

FASCINATING READS, SUMMARISED

The occasional email full of conversation-worthy content