Sophont

SOPHONT: A generalized term for an intelligent life being [Native Intelligent Life (NIL)] or Sapient, including humans as well as intelligent aliens, that have an interstellar presence within Charted Space.

• The number of sophonts which have been contacted is quite high; the Imperium boasts more than a hundred; Charted Space boasts more than four hundred.
• Please see Major Race, Minor Race or Races/summary.

Description (Specifications)

A 'Sophont is a member of a species (race) generally recognized as sapient that has achieved a presence on an interstellar scale.

• Sophonts are consistently described with a long name in the format “the [race name] of [homeworld]”. For example, the Llellewyoly of Junidy.
• A person who studies sophonts is known as a Sophontologist.
• Please see Sophontologist for more information.

Etymology

Derived from the Terran Greek word Sophia, meaning wisdom.

Remarks

Any intelligent species. Sophont is preferred to Sapient, although the two terms are roughly synonymous. Traveller assumes a vague hierarchy in which sapient is inferior to sophont (roughly, sapients as a species have not left their homeworld, and sophonts are present in interstellar society). Sentient technically means “feeling” and should not be used to describe an intelligent species. Sophont encompasses all intelligent species. The study of sophonts or intelligent life forms is sophontology; some older Traveller materials used xenology, or even xenoanthropology, but sophontology is preferred.

History & Background (Dossier)

No information yet available.

References & Contributors (Sources)

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• Periodical: MegaTraveller Travellers' Digest No. 6 in article: 'Persons and Unpersons: What constitutes Intelligence'
• Novel: Traveller 5th Edition Agent of the Imperium
• External Link: Citations for Sophont
• Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology Maksim-Smelchak of the Ministry of Science