Can Consciousness Best Be Explained by God's Existence?

[bennyboy]

I wonder, since it is so nigh impossible to even define what we are looking for, what would an explanation even in principle look like?

Well, if we could replace the function of neurons with silicon chips and organize them in such a way as to simulate genuine volition, emotion, abstract imagery, etc. in a robot, then an explanation might involve the structural organization of information. But then again, some think consciousness requires a biochemical process.

Let's say the cyberbenny 2000 is up and running, and passing the Turing test with flying colors. Let's say it cries and shouts, and trembles when it is threatened. How would we know that we haven't just created a philosophical zombie?