Re the question in this thread's title, I think the answer is "Quite obviously, yes."
As far as the idea that algorithmic-like behaviour in ants disproves that they are conscious goes, my sense is: not very far at all. Humans display algorithmic-like behaviour in many circumstances too: just think about driving on bitumen roads. When approaching a red light, human drivers invariably slow to a stop just before the light. When approaching a round-about, human drivers invariably give way to the right (or perhaps the left, depending on which country they're in). Etc etc.
All of this, although algorithmic, is nevertheless performed consciously.
As far as the idea that algorithmic-like behaviour in ants disproves that they are conscious goes, my sense is: not very far at all. Humans display algorithmic-like behaviour in many circumstances too: just think about driving on bitumen roads. When approaching a red light, human drivers invariably slow to a stop just before the light. When approaching a round-about, human drivers invariably give way to the right (or perhaps the left, depending on which country they're in). Etc etc.
All of this, although algorithmic, is nevertheless performed consciously.
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