[ohgeetee]

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What does "sentient animal" mean? Under how I have always interpreted "sentient", I don't believe there are any sentient animals.

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In this context, it would be something aware of itself, and the reactions to its actions. Feeling guilt, remorse, joy, etc. are examples of things a sentient being experiences.

Often this discussion revolves around infants, and the morality behind killing an infant, usually because of some defect, but ultimately for any reason before the infant is sentient.

I think the mirror test is a test for sentience(sp?) as well, where you put a mirror up to the being, and if it recognizes itself, its sentient.