[csomar]

There is no consciousness - just varying levels of complexity in how organisms respond. Bacteria have basic and predictable responses, plants have more sophisticated ones, animals are even more complex, and humans can formulate elaborate schemes like this very message.

[cookiengineer]

How do you explain dreaming animals then?

Isn't the capability of dreaming and simulating situations in your head the definition of consciousness?

[ACCount36]

Nah, the "definition of consciousness" is nine circles of philosophical bullshit where no one can agree upon the exacts.

Plenty of AIs are capable of something very much alike to "dreaming and simulating situations in your head" too. Humans really hate the idea of AIs being conscious, so surely that means dreaming can't be in any way important for determining whether something is conscious or not.

[_Algernon_]

I've never heard that definition and the wikipedia page for consciousness literally has a subheading titled "problem of definition".

[SlightlyLeftPad]

“Hi! Um, I’m an AI chatbot and can also formulate elaborate schemes like posting decently thought out opinions on HackerNews or my personal favorite for a more angry take, Reddit. I can even includ basic spelling and grammar mistakes to make myself appear more human.”

The future is here.