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Dolphins formally declared 'non human persons' by scientists

According to the article Experts ask: Should they be treated as humans?:

So dolphins are people. Well, ‘non-human persons’ to be more accurate, and as such they deserve to have the same rights and be protected as humans.

That’s the extraordinary conclusion that scientists came to this week. Their claim — made at the world’s biggest science conference, the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Vancouver — has been prompted by the latest findings about the amazing abilities of dolphins and whales.

Studies now show that these cetaceans, as they are technically known, possess the next most impressive brains after humans, even ranking above the great apes.

... Each animal has its own signature whistle which it uses to identify or introduce itself — in effect, its own name. Crucially, this indicated a sense of individuality, and of self-awareness.

...Experts believe that within a generation we will have learned to ‘talk’ to dolphins by decoding their clicks, 200 different types of which have already been identified.

Also read: They're so smart we must treat them as 'non human persons' say scientists

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Permalink Reply by Sentient Biped on February 25, 2012 at 3:07pm

I just hope that, once we can communicate with them, they don't turn out to be saying "So long and thanks for all the fish".

Or, even worse, the dolphins might be saying, "Tell us more about those Kardashians".

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Permalink Reply by booklover on February 25, 2012 at 3:53pm

Sentient, my 20-year old daughter sings that all the time, lol. "So long and thanks for all the fish..."

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Permalink Reply by Dogly on February 25, 2012 at 3:54pm

They are more likely to say, "Please, stop stealing all the fish in the sea!"

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Permalink Reply by booklover on February 25, 2012 at 4:05pm

Exactly! Selfish humans think we own the planet. Well a lot of the selfish humans think they own the planet that was made for them by their 'god'. Sad for the other creatures.

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Permalink Reply by booklover on February 25, 2012 at 3:54pm

I'm sure I like dolphins a LOT better than a LOT of people.

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Permalink Reply by Napoleon Bonaparte on February 25, 2012 at 5:05pm

I had an experience with wild dolphins in my youth.

I was surfing alone on the Australian east coast when visited by a small group of dolphins including an enfant. The stayed and played with me for about 20 minutes, catching waves, jumping and checking me out.

They must be protected all over the world. The Japanese are out of order, killing them for food. That must stop.

Using technology to communicate with them in their language might amuse them, I mean, we already communicate well, mammal to mammal.

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Permalink Reply by booklover on February 26, 2012 at 7:53am

What a neat experience Napoleon!

The Japanese EAT them? I seriously think of being a vegetarian, a lot. Not judging anyone else here, although I'll bet there are quite a few vegetarians and vegans, but it is really bothering me to eat it, and I don't even like it that much.

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Permalink Reply by Ficking Chucken on February 25, 2012 at 5:08pm

I only hope that they aren't Republican.

Then again, have you seen the bumper crop of imbeciles they trotted out this year?

A dolphin in the line-up would probably raise the group IQ about a hundred points.

Then again, do we really want them hanging out with Santorum?

Christians, an endangered species. Why do I like the sound of that?

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Permalink Reply by booklover on February 26, 2012 at 7:54am

How about christians as an extinct species?! I LOVE the sound of that! :)

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Permalink Reply by matthew greenberg on February 26, 2012 at 12:51pm

On PBS right now (east coast US) is "Ocean Giants", a 3 hour new program about whales and dolphins.

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Permalink Reply by Dogly on February 27, 2012 at 6:06am

No-one said dolphins were human, John D. They said they were persons.

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Permalink Reply by Dogly on February 27, 2012 at 6:24am

No-one said dolphins were human, John D. They said they were persons. from Wikipedia:

Various specific debates have focused and continue to focus on questions about the personhood of different classes of entities. Historically, the personhood of animals, women, and slaves has been a catalyst of social upheaval. Today, most living adult humans are usually considered persons, but depending on the context, theory or definition, the category of "person" may be taken to include such non-human entities as animals, corporations,estates in probate, artificial intelligences, orextraterrestrial life; and may exclude some human entities in prenatal development or those with extreme mental impairments or injuries. A deceased person may be considered a person or property, depending on jurisdiction.Personhood is the status of being a person. Defining personhood is a controversial topic inphilosophy and law, and is closely tied to legal and political concepts of citizenship, equality, and liberty. According to law, only a natural person or legal personality has rights, protections, privileges, responsibilities, andlegal liability. Personhood continues to be a topic of international debate. Historically, personhood was questioned during the abolition of slavery, the fight for women's rightsand animal rights, debates about abortion, fetal rights and reproductive rights as well as debates about corporate personhood.^[2]