Sentient

The term "Sentient" is used to mean a conscious, self-aware individual - a person with a Mind, although not necessarily a conventional individual with a conventional mind.
A more accurate term is Sophont. From Sophosthe Greek, meaning "wise".
Compare to the Latin "Sapiens", for wise.
So a person not of the "Homo" family, who has a mind and self-consciousness, could reasonably be called "Sapient" or a "Sophont"
For Instance, Vulcanis Sapiens - But they probably have their own names for themselves
The term "Sentient" refers to a creature that can feel subjectively. Arguably animals are Sentient without being Sapient.
(Note: I agree with this premise. cats and dogs I have known seem to feel emotions, but this is a subjective impression.)
However "Sentient" to denote a self-aware non-human is to common colloquial usage, so after pushing "Sophont" for a while I retreated back to it.
===Sentience Scale===
Sentience is not an on-off issue. Modern psychology considers it a sliding scale. A being can be anything from unaware to hyper aware. Yes a being like Organians are more aware than a Human. This is not necessarily a kindness.<BR>
Sentience scale: <BR>
0: Reflex only<BR>
1: Primitive emotions hind brain activities.<BR>
2: Aware of self (Mirror test)<BR>
3: Aware of others as different from self<BR>
4: Aware that others can feel different from self.<BR>
5: Capable of feeling for others.<BR>
6: Aware of others needs and capable of dealing with them without conscience thought <BR>
7: Constant awareness of a body of others.(Limited omniscience)<BR>
8: Awareness of All. (Omniscience) 
Most sophant creatures are a 5.
Category:Lexicon
Category:Epiphany Trek
Category:ST-OM