https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentience
Sentience comes from the brain and nervous system
How do you know that? Even the wikipedia article you linked describes positions opposed to sentience as a function of nervous system...
On the flip side, how do you know that everything that has a nervous system is sentient?
I only know for sure that I am sentient. There's no way to prove that you are sentient. But since there's no significant physiological difference between us, it's safe to assume you are sentient. Same with animals
What constitutes a significant difference? One could argue insects are significantly different. They are not capable of self-recognition or complex thought. They don't exhibit signs of empathy even for their own kind. They act like little robots. Yet somehow they are considered sentient just to be on the safe side while nose bacteria are assumed non-sentient?
You admitted you can't know whether something is sentient, but you assume other things are just to be on the safe side. Moreover, you're willing to accept as sentience something less than complex thoughts or self awareness. For you, it seems that any kind of will or purpose-driven action seems to warrant benefit of the doubt for sentience. Then don't nose bacteria ...
alright alright. I admit this was a lark. It's getting hard to argue this side. You can eat your boogers and still call yourself vegan.
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