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The novel Blindsight, by Peter Watts, explores exactly your quandary. Highly recommended.

Thanks for that. It's exactly what I've been looking for. My mind has been on this whole topic for the last year. Even the name is a big hint I'll like it as blindsight is fascinating.

Strongly seconding the recommendation. You'll probably also like the references to scientific studies included at the end of the book.

The book has a sequel, Echopraxia, which I also recommend. It's a novel based around the argument that consciousness is not only unnecessary, it's actually an evolutionary disadvantage.

Don't be put off by the bit about vampires.

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