Advancements in brain-computer interfaces raise new questions about consciousness and selfhood.

Consciousness, as a subjective experience, cannot be directly measured in another mind.

Extraterrestrial life may support consciousness on different biological substrates.

However, the body, symbiotic microbes, and environment may shape human consciousness.

Elon Musk's courage in driving modern technologies, particularly in combining the brain and computers, should push philosophers to keep pace and address the new issues arising from these advances. It is not surprising that computers and the web will soon be connected with the brain and may become part of its ability. In the case of the brain–computer interface (BCI) and the connection of the brain into a global network, the main question for us is: What will happen to human consciousness? Does this connection to the web make us similar to one another and dissolve our sense of selfhood and identity? With this perspective in mind, we can go even further and ask an old question similar to the question of the Ship of Theseus: If all parts of the brain are gradually replaced with silicon microchips, would consciousness emerge in a silicon brain? This question was first proposed by Tom Cuda and David J. Chalmers as a thought experiment [1,2]. They use this thought experiment to argue that if the functional organization is preserved, conscious experiences must also be preserved.

Let’s look at possible substrates of consciousness. First, we should consider probable consciousness in other living beings on Earth.

1. May other living beings on Earth possess consciousness?

The definition of consciousness is itself controversial among scientists and philosophers. If we define consciousness as a subjective, inner experience, we can better discuss its presence in other species. In this context, it is important to know that we are only sure about our own conscious experiences and do not have direct access to the experiences of others;........

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