Because we don't understand it? You have nerves in your hands or feet (I don't know the exact number, but suppose it's more than in all of the worm under discussion). But amputations are not considered destruction of consciousness. Hell, if consciousness is the result of any large enough spacial pattern, it may be enough that the particles in a liquid are thoughts created and destroyed. A crowd of enough humans may be enough to form a primitive, "higher" consciousness. This same question extends to the electrons in a computer circuit. They may be enough to represent a consciousness, or they may not be. No one has a clue.If we value humans because of the arguably higher consciousness, I don't see why we should have double standards for AI.
Fair point. I don't put aside the possibility that consciousness may exist outside of the brain. In which case it may be wise to use the precautionary principle and approach all of existence with respect, until we figure out what actually is, this thing we call consciousness.Hell, if consciousness is the result of any large enough spacial pattern, it may be enough that the particles in a liquid are thoughts created and destroyed. A crowd of enough humans may be enough to form a primitive, "higher" consciousness.