The book Blindsight by Peter Watts explores the idea that consciousness might not be necessary for intelligence, and that it may be a temporary stepping stone i

The book Blindsight by Peter Watts explores the idea that consciousness might not be necessary for intelligence, and that it may be a temporary stepping stone in the evolution of an intelligent species if it isn't specifically safe-guarded. The book posits a superintelligent alien race^Wsomething without consciousness that views Earth's many broadcasts (which are only valuable to people with consciousness) as a malicious attack or pollution that only serves to waste the processing time of intelligences like itself. It's a great book exploring consciousness and the vast possibility space of intelligence.