What is the difference between sentient and sapient?

Answer 1

Contrary to what the writers of the various incarnations of Star Trek believe, sentience means "has an ability to sense things", and sapient means "has intelligence".

Answer 2

Sentient beings have the ability to perceive and feel emotions, while sapient beings have the capacity for reasoning and higher cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving and abstract thinking. Sentience is about being aware of one's surroundings and experiencing sensations, while sapience is about intellectual capabilities and higher-level thinking.