Ant vs. ChatGPT: Which Is More Sentient?

Philosopher Jeff Sebo argues we should assess sentience in insects and AI systems using similar methods, looking for behavioral and anatomical markers that correlate with conscious experience in humans. Insects show some promising signs, including wound-nursing, sensitivity to analgesics, and even play behavior, leading Sebo to estimate a 20-40 percent chance they are sentient. The question matters ethically because sentient beings arguably deserve moral consideration. Sebo suggests practical steps like relocating insects rather than killing them, arguing such habits shape how we perceive all potentially conscious creatures, potentially influencing broader welfare research and policy.