How can I say this whole matter -- including 'you' -- are not a figment of my singular mind? Certainly, its a valid pov, but its an intellectual dead-end. Regardless, "seem to" implies a comparative analysis. What is the basis of this "quality" e.g. thinking? Who/where/what? The strong presumption that motivates this line of questioning is that we are, indeed, thinking beings. I think it sensible to maintain that as an axiomatic given. In my opinion, the question of consciousness is very much bound up with 'extent' in 'time' and 'space'. (I would suggest that is how you should read "body": extension in a space.) > We can't determine if intelligence is genuine or not. The 'creative act' is my suggestion for a litmus test. Certainly machines can mimic, but can they create and produce original thoughts? This all boils down to whether you believe in the black-box model of the mind or (as myself) consider the human brain to be a transducer. (Yes, speculative grounds, but please show me a firmer terra to stand on!)