Can an octopus feel love?

Question

Can an octopus feel love?

Answer 1

I don't think that research has yet to show that cephalopods can or can not experience emotion.  They are pretty smart.  I think maybe it's possible.  We may never know.

Answer 2

I don't think we could ever successfully prove it beyond reasonable doubt. Well, at least for the forseeable future.

Answer 3

Absolutely! :)

Answer 4

I'd say no. I hope cephalopods can't feel love because I've eaten them before and they're tasty. I think I'd feel bad if it turns out I've been eating things that can feel love.

But at the same time I hope they can, because even an octopus should be happy, I think.

Answer 5

I don't think so. As far as I know, love evolved in mammals (and independently in birds) because the offspring with affectionate, nurturing mothers were more likely to survive than offspring with cold, distant mothers or mothers who didn't care for their young. As far as I know, emotion itself evolved in the early amniotes, ancestors that we share with reptiles and birds (I don't think reptiles can feel love, though. Most don't care for their children after they hatch). Cephalopods have very complicated nervous systems though, maybe scientists will one day discover that they are sentient.

Even if octopi don't experience emotion, they are self-aware and very intelligent.