Philosopher and researcher Bob Fischer joins us to explore the fascinating and complex world of insect consciousness. From fruit flies being used as depression models to bees playing with marbles, discover how new science is challenging everything we thought we knew about sentience. Through candid discussion about the scale of insect farming, the evidence for insect consciousness, and the practical implications for animal advocates, Bob helps us navigate these challenging ethical waters with both wisdom and humility.

Key Discussion Points:

• Current scientific evidence for insect sentience

• The scale and scope of insect farming

• Practical implications for animal advocates

• Balancing different forms of animal advocacy

• The future of insect welfare science

• Navigating moral uncertainty

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Bob Fischer is a senior researcher at Rethink Priorities and associate professor of philosophy at Texas State University, where he specializes in animal ethics and applied ethics. As director of the Society for the Study of Ethics and Animals, he has published extensively on animal rights, ethics, and epistemology. His current research focuses on insect sentience and the moral implications of emerging science about animal consciousness.

• Bob Fischer’s website

RESOURCES

• • The art of normalizing (and boycotting) violence
  • As Bird Flu Concerns Increase, Don’t Forget About Normalcy Bias
  • Antibiotic emergency ‘could claim 40 million lives in next 25 years’
  • The US Chains Still Charging Extra For Dairy-Free Milk
  • What the headlines missed about alt proteins in 2024
  • I Might Go to Prison in 2025. I Need Your Help More Than Ever.
  • The Barrett Lab

INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview.

_____________________________________________

Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content!

Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review!

Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series.

Follow us on social media! You can find Our Hen House on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, or Bluesky.

The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.