Sentience

Sentience is an emerging attribute of certain lifeforms that includes self awareness and rationalisation. There are multiple definitions of sentience currently in use, but the Institute of Biology currently cites the works of Des Krap as their core definition of sentience. Touring Kit's Touring Test is often used to evaluate sentience for official purposes. Sentient beings are entitled to rights that are protected by The Institute for Peace and Prosperity.

Mantras of Existence
In the scrolls Mantras of Existence, High Grand Krap of Wisdom Des Krap wrote "je suis, parce que je pense," or "I exist because I think." This philosophical proposition has been used to explain the importance of rationality in the qualification of a lifeform as sentient. The capability to think as realise one's own thoughts, Des Krap wrote, is indicative of an existence that surpasses ordinary life. With such an existence comes the ability to learn, communicate, and alter the environment.

Touring Test
Touring Kit, a researcher in artificial intelligence, developed a "Touring Test" to evaluate the possible sentience of artificial and organic systems. The test involves the subject taking a Tour through various scenarios and describing their motivations and actions. The specifics of this test are kept secret to prevent cheating.

Rights of Sentients
The Institute for Peace and Prosperity protects the rights of sentient life in the Blobverse.