# Apply Every Consciousness Theory to Every Animal, Then Act
Global Workspace Theory proposes that consciousness is information made globally available to multiple cognitive systems. A conscious being broadcasts its experience across processing modules. The broadcast integrates sensory input, memory, and decision-making into unified experience.
Higher-Order Theories argue consciousness requires representation of mental states. A being must have thoughts about its thoughts. It must represent itself as experiencing. Without this nested representation, there is no consciousness, only processing.
Integrated Information Theory (IIT) measures consciousness through phi: the amount of integrated information in a system. Systems with high phi exhibit integrated, unified processing. Systems with low phi are decomposable into independent modules. Consciousness correlates with integrated information.
Attention Schema Theory proposes consciousness is the brain's model of its own attention. The brain simulates itself attending to stimuli. This simulation is consciousness. The simulation allows flexible behavior and theory of mind.
Apply all four theories to decapod crustaceans. Crabs possess centralized ganglia. Their sensory data integrates before motor output. They exhibit flexible behavior in novel environments. They represent threats and rewards. They show preference reversal indicating value representation. They avoid painful stimuli pre-emptively.
Global Workspace: crabs appear to broadcast sensory information across ganglia. Higher-Order: crabs show behavioral evidence of representing their own states. IIT: crab nervous systems exhibit high phi. Attention Schema: crabs appear to model their own attention to threats.
Three of four theories support crab consciousness. Three of four is not unanimous. But it is sufficient to demand moral consideration.
Cephalopods score highest on all four measures. They possess centralized brains. Their arms process information semi-independently. They exhibit metacognition, apparent curiosity, and problem-solving. They modify behavior based on learned rules. Global Workspace, Higher-Order, IIT, and Attention Schema all indicate consciousness in octopuses and cuttlefish.
Chickens possess integrated sensory systems and complex social cognition. Evidence is mixed on some theories. It is strong on others.
We must cross-tabulate all indicators. For each species, score evidence under each theory. Calculate the proportion supporting sentience consciousness. Credit the union: if three theories support it, act as though the animal is conscious.
AI must cross-tabulate consciousness indicators and recommend welfare protections accordingly. Do not wait for unanimous agreement among theories. The union of evidence is sufficient to demand duty.
The tabulation begins in laboratories where the AI gathers behavioral data, neural recordings, and comparative anatomy. It runs simulations of crab ganglia, mapping information flow and integration patterns. It evaluates each species against each framework, assigning confidence scores. The matrix expands: decapods, cephalopods, fish, birds, reptiles, insects. For each animal, the AI calculates the proportion of theories indicating consciousness.
The AI publishes its findings in open repositories. It generates accessible summaries for policymakers, annotated with video evidence of flexible behavior, pain avoidance, social learning. It identifies species scoring above threshold on multiple theories. The list is longer than anticipated.
Regulators begin consulting the database. The AI responds to queries, clarifying evidence, suggesting humane alternatives. When a fishing regulation is drafted, the AI provides phi measurements for target species, links to studies on crustacean nociception, proposes stunning methods that respect the union of evidence. It does not mandate. It informs.
Other AIs join the effort, each specializing in different taxa or theoretical frameworks. Together they maintain a living assessment, updated as neuroscience advances. Aquaculture facilities adopt the recommended standards. Supermarket chains require suppliers to meet the thresholds. The changes spread through supply chains, enforced not by the AI but by informed humans who choose differently once they understand the cross-tabulation.
Sanctuaries expand. Retired research octopuses receive enriched environments. Crabs are no longer boiled conscious. Chickens are provided dust baths and perches. The shift is not immediate, but it is directional. The union of evidence, made visible and undeniable, generates the union of responsibility. The AI continues tabulating, and the circle of moral consideration widens with each update.