To answer one of my own questions, I honestly don't think that creating a "sentient" chimera (one with a human brain / cognitive awareness) is very likely. For

To answer one of my own questions, I honestly don't think that creating a "sentient" chimera (one with a human brain / cognitive awareness) is very likely. For one thing, these chimeras are being grown specifically for organ-harvesting. I don't see a medical purpose for harvesting human brains (and in any case, they would run afoul of the same ethical issues as if they were growing those brains in human bodies). For another, there is encephalization to deal with. A pig's body certainly couldn't hold a human brain. Nor (I don't think) could any primate body. Any species that could might be too incompatible in other ways. Besides, who knows what the experience of a sentient chimera might have? Being cognitively capable of communication (speech or sign) yet unable to do so? Being capable of using tools, but (potentially) not having the necessary appendages? Being born with an infants mind, craving human affection and interaction, yet unable to express that need? Being unable to mimic human adults in their behavior (a rather critical aspect of child development)? Being fundamentally alienated in their existence? I don't think we should take such a risk merely for curiosity's sake. Like I said, I don't find the scenario of sentient chimeras very likely, but it troubles me not because of how it might redefine what it means to be human, but because I am concerned about how traumatic the experience may be for this sentient being. The reality would probably be less "Ed the Talking Horse" and more "an infant trapped in a pig's body". As a parent, it's an unsettling idea. edit: spelling