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Is an Octopus Too Smart For Us To Eat?

Posted by Soulskill on from the no-use-crying-over-spilled-ink dept.

An anonymous reader writes: The New Yorker is running a piece on the ethical dilemma we face when considering octopus intelligence alongside our willingness to eat them. "Octopus intelligence is well documented: they have been known to open jars, guard their unhatched eggs for months or even years, and demonstrate personalities. Most famously, they can blast a cloud of ink to throw off predators, but even more impressive is the masterfully complex camouflage employed by several members of Cephalopoda (a class that also includes squid and cuttlefish)." While humans eat animals ranging widely in mental faculties, the octopus remains one of the smartest ones we do consume. And unlike pigs, for example, their population is not dependent on humanity to survive. As our scientific understanding of intelligence grows, these ethical debates will only come into sharper focus. Where do we draw the line?

15 of 481 comments (clear)

  1. People by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Is where I draw the line..

    1. Re:People by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      Don't be so quick dismissing tasty humans!
      They breed like rabbits and many are about as intelligent as an octopus.

    2. Re:People by RJFerret · · Score: 5, Funny

      Although some aren't capable of opening jars.

    3. Re:People by PPH · · Score: 4, Funny

      Sue: "That croc was going to eat me alive."

      Crocodile Dundee: "Well, I wouldn't hold that against him. Same thought crossed my mind once or twice."

      --
      Have gnu, will travel.
    4. Re: People by Ol+Olsoc · · Score: 3, Funny

      Slashdot... where anon coward blatant religion-baiting gets +1 Informative

      Damn right, that should have been modded insightful.

      --
      The shepherds did so well protecting the flock that the sheep no longer believed that wolves existed.
  2. Clearly not... by Kenja · · Score: 4, Funny

    We eat them, and if they're so smart why don't they defend themselves?!

    --

    "Have you ever thought about just turning off the TV, sitting down with your kids, and hitting them?"
    1. Re:Clearly not... by Artifakt · · Score: 3, Funny

      Would you initaite interspecies contact with a species that wonders whether you go with white wine or red? Would you invade a world where the inhabitants are as likely to reach for a jar of brown sauce as a weapon? Omnivorism - keeping Earth first contact free for over 500,000 years.

      --
      Who is John Cabal?
  3. Should lions stop eating us by future+assassin · · Score: 2, Funny

    After all were smart, were hot and where the party of the planet.

    --
    by TheSpoom (715771) Uncaring Linux user here. I have nothing to add to this but please continue. *munches popcorn*
    1. Re:Should lions stop eating us by OzPeter · · Score: 5, Funny

      After all were smart, were hot and where the party of the planet.

      Oh the irony

      --
      I am Slashdot. Are you Slashdot as well?
  4. Where do we put the line? by NReitzel · · Score: 5, Funny

    In front of the sushi bar, of course.

    --

    Don't take life too seriously; it isn't permanent.

  5. Re: Vegetarian by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Hey guys I found the vegetarian.

  6. evens out by will_die · · Score: 5, Funny

    Just eat with a marinara sauce and the stupidity of the tomato will even it out.

  7. Re:The rest of the conversation ... by PopeRatzo · · Score: 5, Funny

    ... what about bush meat?

    If it's trimmed nicely, I don't mind.

    Wait, are we talking about the same thing?

    --
    You are welcome on my lawn.
  8. Lifeboat Sketch by PPH · · Score: 4, Funny

    As a naval officer I abhor the implication that the Royal Navy is a haven for cannibalism. It is well known that we have the problem relatively under control, and that it is the R.A.F. who now suffer the largest casualties in this area. And what do you think the Argylls ate in Aden? Arabs?

    Yours etc. Captain B.J. Smethwick in a white wine sauce with shallots, mushrooms and garlic.

    --
    Have gnu, will travel.
  9. Re: Vegetarian by Mr.+Shotgun · · Score: 4, Funny

    Q:How do you know if someone is a vegetarian?
    A: Don't worry, they'll tell you.

    --
    Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the (supposed) good of its victims may be the most oppressive