Book Reviewed: When Animals Dream: The Hidden World of Animal Consciousness by David M. Peña-Guzmán

Animal Vision Many animals dream! Scientific studies using brain monitoring during sleep show that mammals and some birds go through sleep stages similar to humans like REM (Rapid Eye Movement). For example, when a dog twitches its paws or whimper in its sleep, it’s likely “dreaming,” probably about chasing or playing. Dreams process memories, learning, and problem-solving. Recent studies also show that invertebrates like octopuses also experience dreaming. It is characterized by two distinct sleep stages: quiet sleep and active sleep. During quiet sleep, they are pale and still. During active sleep, their skin color rapidly changes with arms twitching and eye movements similar to REM sleep of mammals. Some of these are signs of an octopus waking experiences; hunting, exploring, and interacting with their environment. It should be recognized by the fact life does exist, and animals are independent living entities that struggle to survive, look for food (prey), avoid predators, face challenges of life, reproduce, the ability learn, think, and memorize suggest that they all have consciousness. The author overemphasizes the ethical implications of scientific studies discussed in this book. His calls for a reevaluation of our moral responsibilities toward animals oversteps the boundaries, particularly his philosophical musings.