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user-inactivated · 3870 days ago · link · · parent · post: Why is slavery wrong? (A late answer to b_b's "An interesting question")
No, that was not my intent. Sentient means (according to Merriam-Webster): "responsive to or conscious of sense impressions" Snails are sentient, but I'm not sure how much dignity we can meaningfully bestow on them. My wife makes a living assisting "demented and incontinent elderly human"s -- so I'm not inclined to disagree on that point. I used to use the word "sapient" for what I think you're trying to capture, but that term has problems too. I've enjoyed this exchange, BTW. Thanks!