The ability to think. The ability to feel. The ability to interpret perceptions. The ability to receive input from the senses. The presence of self awareness. The ability to form opinions. Etc, etc.
Without any of those things being present, we are left with most of a human being. We are left with, basically, a biological support system that is empty of the person (mind) it was meant to support.
I don't know how this might apply to the kid you're talking about, but you brought him up, not me. All I am saying is that, without a mind, you are not a person, but something that could be. I don't know why you find that point of view so insulting, but that is my point of view. I think; therefore I am. I do not think; therefore I am not.
Without any of those things being present, we are left with most of a human being. We are left with, basically, a biological support system that is empty of the person (mind) it was meant to support.
I don't know how this might apply to the kid you're talking about, but you brought him up, not me. All I am saying is that, without a mind, you are not a person, but something that could be. I don't know why you find that point of view so insulting, but that is my point of view. I think; therefore I am. I do not think; therefore I am not.