Religion
In reply to the discussion: If you cannot disprove the existence of God, or prove the existence of God [View all]Jim__
(15,053 posts)... the process.
The claim is based on an analysis of what currently exists on earth. We know essentially what elements are necessary to form a cell. It appears that the necessary molecules could be formed, over time, in the primordial environment - although the exact path that process followed is not known. It appears to have happened; I don't think anyone can estimate the probability that, given the environment, it would have happened. But, yes, life is essentially a specific set of complex chemical processes.
Similarly for consciousness, it's more than just a sufficient level of complexity. For instance, some plants have an extremely high level of complexity, but they don't appear to be conscious nor do they appear to be on a path to consciousness - i.e. they don't appear to be developing anything like a brain. But, in the case of animals, it does seem that centralized communication networks based on certain cell types did develop and became more specific and more sophisticated in their functioning over time. Animals with complex brains, at least certain types of complex brains, exhibit behaviors that reflect consciousness. And, at least in humans, consciousness includes self-awareness.