Theory number 3.

[The Grand Nudger]

Well there would have to be logically a lot of steps (perhaps millions) to get to consciousness from unconsciousness. But at the same time, there has to be a point where it's actually conscious as opposed to not. But before that, it's not conscious. So there has to millions of steps but at the same time, there has to be but one step as well. Hence you have the problem. Aside from that, is it even possible that it heading to that direction by natural selection, as opposed to simply a computer like receiving im puts?

We do see "alot of steps". Why does there have to be such a point, given that you haven't taken the time to define what consciousness is (nor have any of us, in it's particulars)? Before what, at what point does the miracle occur? I'm asking you this because it's very likely that we do have examples of organisms that are capable of achieving whatever it is you might want to reference. It's also likely that I can give you an example of a creature which does not have "consciousness" but nevertheless achieve a similar or identical effect.

It's highly possible.

When did magic become "highly possible", and by what hilarious definitions of the words magic, highly, and possible?

I don't know. I don't see the relevance though.

The relevance would be establishing the moment or ability that you choose to propose as an opportunity for a skyhook. I'm just wondering how long the God of Self has to wait for hardware to appear before it deciding to install the app.

Don't seem to be. I am not inclined to believe that animals are just machines acting as if they have a conscious without one. They seem to run on emotions, fear, love, attraction, pleasure, selfishness, etc...

Do you think magic is involved in their inner workings as well? Consciousness pixies, perhaps, flitting about painting the morning dew? Whether or not something has emotions would have what to do with whether or not it was operating on a mechanical process? Is this the magic, emotions? It's not like there are chemicals involved here, or external stimuli replete with internal response. Couldn't even begin to condition emotions. Surely we wouldn't expect goal seeking or goal orientation....surely no, because we aren't machines......

(You -are- a machine, by any definition of the word. If you read less into that it probably wouldn't make you uncomfortable. There's nothing wrong with machines, and as far as they go, you're a magnificent one.)

This is non-sequitur, if consciousness is solely created by biological/physical, it doesn't mean evolution was capable of producing it.

Dissonance at play. "biological and physical forces" is probably the simplest and most descriptive summary of evolutionary synthesis.