Science and Inquiry discussion

For September 2018, we will be reading Other Minds: The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness.

Please use this thread to post questions, comments, and reviews, at any time.

I always like reading books about animal behaviour and this one was really interesting. The author obviously enjoys observing octopuses and cuttlefish and he does a good job at conveying his enthusiasm.


Consciousness is still difficult to define, but it is interesting how creatures that look so different from us can still share our curiosity and need to interact with the world.

Scientists give ecstacy to octopi and suddenly they're more social:

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/20/sc...

I read this book last year and found it just magical. The author has a great blog with absolutely stunning photos and videos: http://metazoan.net/65-blue-water/
As for the issue of consciousness, I think we've barely scratched the tip of the iceberg (I know, mixed metaphor.) Imagine having a brain that extends throughout your body, into your (8) arms?!

I've been dreaming about octopuses. :)

Nancy wrote: "I read this book last year and found it just magical. The author has a great blog with absolutely stunning photos and videos: http://metazoan.net/65-blue-water/
As for the issue of consciousness, I..."

The photos are really stunning. Thank you for posting the link.

Renata wrote: "Nancy wrote: "I read this book last year and found it just magical. The author has a great blog with absolutely stunning photos and videos: http://metazoan.net/65-blue-water/
As for the issue of co..."
You're welcome! My favorite blog...

Here is the author, writing about the ecstasy experiment...
http://metazoan.net/68-octos-on-e/

I really enjoyed this book. Here is my review.