Originally Posted By: kallog
That's something I've often considered myself.

How do we know anything except ourself is conscious? Perhaps because we notice the complex ways that other people behave and assume they're not automatic enough to be a machine. Sometimes we're not sure, like is an insect conscious?


There are actually some standardized tests that work for animals, at least. Self-recognition is one - be it in a mirror, in playbacks of calls, etc.

There is a whole area of biology surrounding these kinds of questions. I'd tell you more, by my knowledge of this area is very, very weak.

Bryan

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