IMO, any kind of theory of consciousness fundamentally incompatible with computers (of any kind) is either disconnected from physical reality (therefore irrelevant) or is equivalent to asserting paranormal abilities.
I just want someone to define "consciousness" in a way that isn't 1) circular or 2) doesn't preclude computation in its own definition by appealing to things which are definitionally impossible to quantify (and therefore incompatible with materialism).
"Current AI's are probably not conscious" is a defendable position, and one I think is still probably true "AI's being conscious is absurd as a tiny band playing in your radio" is a complelty insane position, a complete failure to grapple with the issues here
Consciousness is the ability to have awareness of self and others. I don't know if that fits your requirements, but I think it's that simple. And while today's AI does an amazing job projecting the appearance of such awareness, it's just a clever illusion.
Sentience is the capacity to experience anything at all. Since there are so many definitions of consciousness, we can simplify it by agreeing that under any reasonable definition of consciousness, if someone: A: is sentient B: can notice they are sentient C: can express
