Hi Glenn

RE: “I think the "like" was the first one, a like of comparison”

As I mentioned, Nagel – who is the source and authority for all this – ruled that meaning out. That doesn’t bother you at all?

RE: “as Berkeley pointed out they are.. etc”

This is not about what Berkeley of whoever may have thought about comparisons or whatever. It’s about a quite specific statement and what, if anything, it might mean. I can see you haven’t read my refutation carefully but, don’t worry, you're in good company. I’ve posted it on 3 or 4 threads at different times and so far I haven't encountered anyone who has been able to follow the argument. (Though it’s not at all difficult - just a bit of straightfoward, run-of-the-mill philosophical analysis.)  

RE: I do not think the expression "there is something it is like to be conscious" is supposed to compare consciousness to something other than consciousness as you seemed to suggest. “

So what are you saying? That consciousness is being compared to itself? That would be enlightening! Like saying “This apple is like itself.”  

RE: “With the film zombie the body is supposed to be dead (no heart pumping etc.), but that is not the case with philosophical zombies. 

Interesting. Philosophical zombies have no brain (because, gee, heck, they’re “all dark inside”) but they do have a functioning heart. The anatomy of philosophical zombies is truly fascinating. Can they leap tall buldings in one bound do you think?

RE: What I am inquiring about is whether you are aware of any features that human beings have which you cannot understand how they can be reduced to the features discussed in physics?”

I’m not sure I understand the question. Are you asking if I think there are any features of the human body that cannot be explained in purely physical terms? It’s very possible human consciousness is not explainable in purely physical terms. But who knows? Since no one has even come close to giving a convincing explanation of what human consciousness is, and the relevant area of philosophy is bogged down in puerile ideas like “zombies” and brains in vats, the answer to your question is: so far, it’s anyone’s guess.

DA