>Roger Penrose is an eminent British mathematician who has written a
>book, The Emperor's New Mind (concerning computers, minds, and the laws
>of physics), attacking the idea that computers will ever achieve
>consciousness. It's well worth reading.

And don't forget the sequel "Shadows Of The Mind" (1994), which corrects some
shortcomings of the original and answers many criticisms.

He was also responsible for working out the details of Black Hole theory with
some bloke called Hawking through 1965-1970.

Cheers,  Andy.