Ask whether “sentient” separates human from other animals. It does not: cows and horses are also sentient. A proximate differentia must distinguish the species within its nearest genus. The source uses “rational” for this role and “sentient” only at a broader classificatory level.
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Why sentient is not human’s proximate differentia
Proximate and Remote Genus and Differentia
Ask whether “sentient” separates human from other animals. It does not: cows and horses are also sentient. A proximate differentia must distinguish the species within its nearest genus. The source uses “rational” for this role and “sentient” only at a broader classificatory level.