On naturalism and consciousness

[Mudhammam]

Of course they do, but not because toys are so advanced as to adequately emulate human beings - more because (and I guarantee you this) you wont be able to tell me what a "personal feeling" or "sensuous experience" -is- that does not also apply to some sort of machine logic/language/architecture (bet I could map either to a pocket calculator, btw).

The "just different" explanation is, honestly, implied in your response. You've written off machines before we even begin.

I wouldn't say I have written them off. By all means, if a machine ever becomes so depressed as to request medication because of distress over such questions as "Who am I? What is my purpose? What happens to me after I die?" I will concede that consciousness is no more than an organization of minute information processors performing one hell of a trick (to be sure, that is what I think consciousness probably is... but how that is the case, I don't find physical monism on much firmer ground than say, interaction dualism, albeit the slightest advantage that we have some framework to work with). I also think the question as to whether or not this phenomenal quality of mind is more intrinsic to matter than our current physical sciences account for, as panpsychism claims it is, would still be left unanswered. Maybe we need ourselves another Einstein to do for mind and matter what he did for time and space. Mattermind?

I'm watching yall turn this into a circlejerk of assumptions and useless claims. It bothers me. We have practical, observable, quantifiable systems that can offer insight. We have practical, observable, quantifiable experiments involving "mind" and brain (and our ability to manipulate one by manipulating the other, etc). It's almost like we have to avoid them because they're "diseased".

That's a bit harsh, I'd say! This is what philosophy does! It attempts to refine our definitions so as to "copy" reality into terms that allow us to better understand it, and well, maybe use it to our advantage.