Moreover, can consciousness be attributed to an AI (which currently really are just a set of algorithms and mathematical fine-tuning)? Is consciousness a concept that is even possible to determine scientifically? And finally, do we need to understand consciousness to answer some major questions in science? (For example, the proper interpretation of quantum mechanics.)

My dick has more consciousness than you

To answer any of your questions, we would have to definte what consciousness is first, and I don't think anybody knows how to accurately define it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APlw4xCl0xI

My favourite youtuber, he won't give you the answers you're looking for, but he offers his own insight into this question in an entertaining video.

There is also a puzzle game called The Talos Principle which deals with the idea that humans are nothing but biological machines.

Consciousness = consciousness

A universal definition of consciousness can be likened to a universal definition of life. It's pretty ambiguous. No one knows where exactly to demarcate the boundaries of life. We do not know when, in the transition from macromolecules to living cells, the first life form emerged. Consciousness is even more challenging because it emerges from life.

For now, let's just stick to the general definition of being "self aware". A good additional question to follow this up with is whether or not other animals are "conscious". If so, then are plants conscious? Fungi? Protists? Bacteria?

And if not... why then is only one species of the genus homo the only species in the history of Earth (AFAIK) ever to acquire consciousness?

look up german idealism...................... or if you want it more kitty there is also abunch about it in the analytical tradition..... just start whit the chinese room argument and work from there(for your first question ), then you will get to all the others automaticly

Edited 8/1/2020 16:14:39