Overgaard and Kirkeby-Hinrup conclude their comment [1] on our Opinion article [2] by asking, ‘Does SOMA entail that animals, children and many adults are not conscious?’ This question is indeed essential, and our answer is a clear: ‘We do not know, nor does anyone else.’ But we want to state right away that we believe they are. In this respect, Overgaard and Kirkeby-Hinrup’s core critique is misguided. We need to carefully distinguish between ethical and scientific considerations. Scientific claims are based on what we think is the case, whereas ethical considerations are based on what we think ought to be the case.
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Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
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