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Asking how many neurons are needed before we “get” a consciousness is a bit like asking how many people are needed before we have a country.

The assumption that you obtain a human consciousness by using human neurons is itself flawed—physics does not say it works that way, and theory of mind philosophers are divided on the matter.

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How does physics say it works?

I guess you could use any material, that behaves the same as the material, that is used in humans, right ?

Since we've yet to figure out a way to "measure" consciousness, it depends on what "theory" of consciousness you subscribe too. I believe something must make use of quantum effects such as entanglement in order to have qualia (eg. Penrose models). So, ChatGPT running on deterministic hardware is just a bigger mechanical clock, but the organoinds have qualia. At least insofar as a worm or chicken have qualia. Add enough of them of and you might get consciousness. I don't consider this line of research ethical, but philosophical objections won't provide much of a disincentive.

Physics says "we don't know what this word means", which is exactly why it's a flawed assumption to say "human neurons are necessary" or "human neurons are sufficient".

That’s a great way to put it.

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