nonhuman

Nonhuman is a broad term used to describe beings, entities, or systems that are not human. It encompasses living organisms such as animals, plants, and microorganisms, as well as extraterrestrial life, and, in discussions of technology, artificial agents such as robots or artificial intelligence. The exact scope varies by discipline and context, but the common thread is opposition to the category of human beings.

In ethics and philosophy, the nonhuman is central to debates about moral status, rights, and welfare. Nonhuman animals are routinely examined for sentience, consciousness, and capacity to suffer, informing animal welfare laws and ethical guidelines. Questions about nonhuman agency and personhood also arise in debates about AI, robots, and other advanced systems, including responsibility, autonomy, and rights or protections.

In the humanities, nonhumanists critique anthropocentrism and explore the relationships between humans and other species, ecosystems, or objects. Posthumanism and theories of the nonhuman emphasize interdependence and challenge human-centered perspectives.

In science, the term serves as a pragmatic distinction. Researchers contrast nonhuman species with humans in studies, and nonhuman primates, rodents, and other organisms are common model species. The term is often clarified by specifying the reference, such as nonhuman animals or nonhuman primates, to avoid ambiguity.