The border between species with and without feelings

Abstract

Animal protection makes only sense when animal suffering and welfare exist. Suffering and welfare require the existence of feelings in a species. The question "Which species possess feelings?" is, therefore, important. Scientists draw the line between species with and without feelings at different places in the animal kingdom. Reasons for laymen to assume or discard the existence of feelings in different species are considered. It is mentioned that science is fundamentally unable to draw this line. (A view often attacked under the influence of psychology that belongs to the humanities). It is also mentioned that science is able to make the presence of feelings in an animal species more, or less, convincing. The views of the different scientists are discussed. It is argued why, in my opinion, all animal species possess feelings. Although not all scientists share this view, many scientists are of opinion that at least farm animals possess feelings. Laypeople who are not influenced by economic or other interests mostly do not question this opinion. The protection of farm animals is justified to avoid suffering in case these farm animals possess feelings.