[pessimizer]

We don't have any more evidence that other animals are conscious than we have that other people are conscious. As far as evidence is concerned, your cat is no more conscious than I am.

Are logfiles enough to count as an inner life? We have clear evidence of those.

[maxerickson]

I think it's the other way around. We have plenty of evidence that humans are doing something different than most creatures and have trouble articulating exactly what it is.

[pessimizer]

I don't think we do. The only evidence I have that other people are conscious is by analogy; because I assume that whatever conscious is, I am, and other people seem like me.

[maxerickson]

You've skipped my point though, I'm saying that your definition of conscious isn't a useful articulation of the difference, so of course it doesn't yield a satisfying result.

Then compare the life's work of Picasso to the life's work of most cats. Art is evocative. Cats poop a lot.

[Nursie]

Compare it to the life's work of most humans.

Humans poop a lot, I'd guess even more than cats...

[maxerickson]

See, it's hard to articulate.

[stale2002]

I mean, we are just slightly more evolved primates.

What's the difference between a 2 year old child and an adult chimp? The chimp is probably smarter even.