The general argument that I rely upon is that consciousness exists for the purpo

The general argument that I rely upon is that consciousness exists for the purpose of social interaction by observing, empathizing, sympathizing, negotiating, and cooperating, avoiding, or conflicting. Otherwise it is too expensive (brains are really expensive). In other words, the returns on cooperation are high enough for all that individual humans can afford expensive brains. Consciousness exists like language exists – to negotiate cooperation.