Good points @justinchase. :)

The idea that everything is conscious vastly predates modern science and double slit experiment. I am not sure if we will ever be able to truly answer the question of consciousness in relation to other living begins. It seems to me, more of a metaphysical and philosophical question than scientific one.

My personal experience of plants and animals suggest that they are indeed self aware, definitely much more than we often give them credit. It could be simply a projection on my part but so could be thinking that they have no awareness or limited awareness.

In our evolution as culture we often assumed inferiority of other beings, and indeed other humans, based on religious belief that god made us special by giving us soul and gave us domain over the earth. Scientific community, over the decades, often proved resistant to change in paradigm due to the influence of religion.

Perhaps I would trust current established scientific position more, if not the fact, that it mirrors our culture's dominant beliefs. It's also very convenient for us to see ourselves as more aware and conscious than everything else. It means we do not have to feel bad about killing in order to survive. I can not help but question it.