Do animals have consciousness like we and spirit

[Paukki]

It's also been said that dogs and cats (and also little kids and who knows how much else) have brainwaves mostly in the theta and delta frequency.  Theta has been said to interface with "The Universal Mind", (delta?)  Not that I've proven this to my own daily conscious self.  But it might explain some of the more esoteric stuff about cats and dogs and whatnot.

[Fyrenze]

Someone earlier said animals don't go to heaven...Haven't you ever heard "All dogs go to heaven"[?]

But really, I'd agree with the general consensus that animals have consciousness and spirit.

Also, I agree with those who think human decision making tends to follow the path of least resistance. There certainly are plenty of cases where it doesn't, though. If that were the case, I'd have never decided to try OBEs and meditation. I'm not yet wired for it.

[monicat777]

I believe they do!!! I have a profound (yes,PROFOUND)relationship with my two cats.  I explain everything to them..trips to the vet, moving to a new place, visitors coming over, my moods, etc.  I believe with all my heart they understand, maybe sometimes even more than me. I send them love all the time and I listen to them. I want them to have the best lives possible and to feel they are part of my family unconditionally.  That's an important thing, they are so willingly unconditional, they deserve to feel that back.

[MeZergy]

I believe they do (at least those that interact with humans). My dog, Bonnie (who died Oct. 2000 at age 17), seemed to have a spirit. She was so nice to me because I had her since I was born. She feared like people do. She was afraid of a man. I'm not sure who, but my parents said that when she got her, she was afraid of my dad and she had scabs on her body.

So, yes, I believe animals have souls.

Heh, I know this is pretty old, but I decided to post anyway []

[dreamingcarnage]

To clearly respond you would have to know what consciousness is but there are so many definitions.  This is from http://members.aol.com/chris5264/jaynes.html


"Consciousness and the Reticular Activating System. Jaynes feels that is it is a waste of time to associate the RAS with consciousness because it is one of the oldest structures in the evolution of the nervous system. This is in contrast to Baars. Baars suggests that the RAS may be one of the most important and necessary brain areas associated with consciousness. Because many animals possess a RAS, Baars argues that they are actually conscious. The argument can be resolved if we focus on what Jaynes vs. Baars mean by consciousness. Many individuals hold consciousness to mean qualitative subjective states such as pain or our inner experience while looking at the color red. This version of consciousness is sometimes referred to as qualia. This simple level of sensory consciousness is clearly not what Jaynes is referring to. Jaynes’s view of consciousness seems to indicate a higher abstract level of ego or self-consciousness. However this abstraction is still totally dependent upon basic sensory processes. "

[veliki grizli]

Please tell me your opinions.