Posted by Steven on February 08, 1999 at 07:04:32:
In Reply to: Just to provoke thought posted by Tyler on February 07, 1999 at 23:39:33:
: I have been thinking about something for quite a while and I wish to propose a certain aspect of it for discussion on this board. I am, however, not going to state my reasons for thinking this (not yet, not until I see what people think without hearing my ideas). See how far you can stretch your mind.
: I think animals are sentient.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I would say so.
sentient - adj.
1. Having sense perception; conscious.
2. Experiencing sensation or feeling.
3. Able to receive and respond to external stimuli.
4. Marked by comprehension, cognizance, and perception.
5. Readily stirred by emotion.
The first 3 def's would probably apply to all mammals, reptiles, birds, etc.
The 4th definition would apply to most, unless you are stipulating what level of comprehension and cognizance you will accept.
The 5th definition could be debatable, at least because of the word "readily". It also depends what level and what diversity of emotion you are stipulating.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *