Trying to simplify my Consciousness hypothesis

[DLJ]

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This is the real problem-- if physical interactions are sufficient to explain behavior, then why would the universe give us this added "bonus" of being aware of those physical interactions?

If by "physical" you include 'chemical', then what else is there? Magic?

This added bonus (pattern recognition, predictive modelling, event detection) gives us empathy (the 'knowing what it's like to") which is useful for discerning intent - whether it's "where will this mammoth run to next?" or "Is he cheating on me?" - empathy enables bonding which assists with tribal identity (in-group / out-group) which enables security and stability which aids survival.