The text discusses the evolving understanding of insects’ cognitive abilities and the implications for their sentience and ethical treatment. The author recounts personal experiences and research findings that challenge the conventional belief that insects are unthinking automatons. The evidence suggests that insects, including bees, possess intelligence, emotions, and the ability to feel pleasure and pain. These discoveries raise ethical questions regarding how insects should be treated in scientific research, agriculture, and the feed-and-food industry. The author argues for minimizing insect suffering and conducting further research to determine the extent of their sentience.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insects may be sentient and feel pain | Perception of insects as unfeeling | Greater understanding and consideration | Research and evidence of insect cognition and behavior |
| Insects display intelligent behaviors | Perception of insects as automatons | Recognition of insect intelligence | Advances in research and understanding of insect minds |
| Bees can experience pleasure and pain | Perception of insects as unfeeling | Acknowledgement of insect emotions | Research on bee behavior and responses |
| Insects may have positive and negative states of mind | Perception of insects as unfeeling | Recognition of insect emotional states | Research on insect behavior and responses |
| Bees show signs of optimism and joy | Perception of insects as unfeeling | Awareness of bee emotional experiences | Research on bee behavior and responses |
| Insects may be capable of experiencing pain | Perception of insects as unfeeling | Understanding of insect pain experiences | Research on insect behavior and responses |
| Ethical implications for treatment of insects | Unconsidered treatment of insects | Increased awareness and consideration | Moral obligation to minimize insect suffering |
| Insect farming and insecticide use raise ethical concerns | Unconsidered ethical concerns | Need for humane farming and pesticide practices | Recognition of insect welfare and well-being |
| Stress and poor conditions affect bees and other insects | Lack of consideration for insect well-being | Improved practices to minimize insect suffering | Awareness of insect stress and its effects |