39 pages 1 hour read

Sy Montgomery

The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2015

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Essay Topics

1.

How is climate change going to affect the habitat of octopuses and thus octopuses themselves? What are some signs that this is already underway? Can anything be done to alleviate or reverse it?

2.

In your opinion, what are the ethical issues involved in humans eating animals (of all kinds)? Does it matter if the animals possess consciousness and/or a soul? Explain why or why not.

3.

In the book, octopuses seem to provide emotional support to some of their human keepers. Research the kinds of animals usually involved in formal emotional support programs. What are the requirements for an animal to be included? How does the emotional support work? Be sure to include both psychological and physiological elements.