ABSTRACT
This chapter describes that consciousness has only recently become a topic of serious scientific investigation. The arguments for and against animal consciousness that are theory driven will not be terribly convincing for anyone who isn't already firmly committed to the theory. The chapter explains the existence of animal consciousness in most species is taken for granted by scientists. Scientists are working with the assumption that animals like macaques and rats are conscious, and the research that results from these assumptions is well developed and continues to provide productive hypotheses and studies into the nature of consciousness. In so far as assumptions of consciousness continue to generate good results and help to promote a well-developed science of consciousness, those assumptions should stand. That is, until there is evidence against consciousness in mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and cephalopods, they should treat them as if they are conscious.
