>And can we define and prove it with any consistency or agreement except in specific contexts?

While we may never unravel the riddle, the most compelling argument I have heard is the position put forth by Dr. Chittka, suggesting that bees are conscious when assessed by the same criteria as domestic animals- so at least by comparison of that which is observable, bees are as conscious as our mammalian pets (from an article we discussed last year):


'And we now have evidence of emotion-like states, using the same criteria that researchers employ to evaluate whether domestic animals such as goats or horses are being kept in conditions that result in a positive or negative outlook on life.'

https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2022/07/29/bee-cognition-insect-intelligence-research/

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