Sentient beings are organisms that possess the capacity for perception, awareness, and the ability to experience feelings. This includes a range of life forms, such as humans, animals, and some forms of artificial intelligence. Sentience allows these beings to respond to their environment, make choices, and experience emotions like joy, pain, and fear.
The concept of sentience is often discussed in relation to ethics and rights, particularly concerning how humans treat other animals. Understanding sentient beings can influence laws and practices regarding animal welfare, environmental conservation, and the development of AI technologies, as society considers the moral implications of their treatment and existence.