[azeotropic]

I'm not sure why having neurons enters into the equation at all when deciding whether something is conscious.

This is a hard question and the Feinberg-Mallatt definition of consciousness seems circular.

An artificial or alien life form might possess consciousness without having traversed the same evolutionary trajectory as animals, and will probably not possess animal neurons. Even a sufficently diverged animal might use novel strategies for organizing neurons (or alternatives to neurons?) to sense, move, focus attention, and remember.

[crispinb]

> I'm not sure why having neurons enters into the equation at all when deciding whether something is conscious.

Because neuroscience is bigger business than philosophy.