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comment by user-inactivated
user-inactivated  ·  3855 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!





threelittlebirdies  ·  3855 days ago  ·  link  ·  

Likewise! It's been a pleasure exploring this blurry line of ethics, upon which the snail balances :)