What form of consciousness do animals possess according to the hierarchy of monads?

The concept of monads, introduced by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, posits that there are different types of monads or units of consciousness that reflect various levels of perception in the hierarchy of being. In this hierarchy, animals are classified as possessing sentient monads. Sentient monads are characterized by the ability to experience sensations and feelings, thus enabling animals to have a degree of awareness and react to their environments.

This classification highlights that while animals possess consciousness, it is not as complex or rational as that of humans, who are categorized as rational monads. The distinction emphasizes a spectrum of awareness, with sentient monads being an essential part of a broader philosophical framework regarding consciousness and perception. In contrast, supreme monads refer to a higher level of existence associated with God or the ultimate source of all reality, while simple monads represent the most basic elements of reality without consciousness or perception. Hence, the correct identification of animals as possessing sentient monads reflects their unique form of consciousness within this hierarchical model.