We know that other animals feel pain in the same way we know that other people do. We do not need words to understand the suffering of a starving person whose language we do not understand. We infer the suffering of other people from their physical reactions, even though we can never be absolutely certain.
We know how we ourselves react to situations that cause pain. When other animals or other people are in the same conditions, they show the same physical reactions we do. Whatever we may think about humans’ supposed superiority over animals in every other area, when it comes to the ability to feel pain and suffering, other animals will always be our equals.
Continue with these questions:
- How do you know that plants cannot feel pain?
- What about insects?
- Where does consciousness begin in the animal kingdom?
- Are only humans self-aware?
- Do only humans understand the concept of death?
- Are only humans able to use language and understand abstract concepts?
- Should we focus on human problems before worrying about animals?
More answers: Vegan Ethics FAQ.