The problem of consciousness is very important for solution of self transfer problem

[consciousnessdualism]

Our physical world is fully inflicted with unhappy constraints, unsatisfaction and suffering (both human and animal). The only way to solve this problem, will be to transfer human (and animal)'s consciousness to an artificial virtual paradise (reality), and/or to an artificial brain (and body), so to be ultimately free from aimless and stupid natural evolutionary burdens. However, in order to achieve this, human should have to know what has to be transferred in order to achieve self (consciousness) transfer? Some hold that it is the memory to be transferred, some argue that it is the continuity of brain substances to be extended, some think that it is the continuity of brain processes to be extended. In general, it is either or both the causal continuity and/or substance continuity to be extended/transferred. Until now, nobody has a definite answer of what has to be transferred (you may try to put some effort to think about it, the problem is not that simple at all). That is why the problem of consciousness is very important (not just for metaphysical debate enjoyment), it will be very practical and essential for solving the human's (and animal's) univsersal suffering problem.

[Impenitent]

to be or not to be ... be a brain in a vat

-Imp

[Wizard22]

Didn't you watch The Matrix, hellooooo?!

[rootseeker]

This actually doesn't in any way solve the problem it simply reframes the problem with a new definition of "unhappy constraints, dissatisfaction and suffering". Under your previous system you were perhaps unhappy with an inability to fly ion the sky with your human body alone, unsatisfied with a family divorce, and suffering because of a long workday. In your virtual reality you'd likely form a new baseline for all these metrics of satisfaction. You could be perhaps unhappy about an ability to for other virtual reality characters to behave just how you'd like, you could find yourself in bad relationships based on an expectation of Utopian lifestyle without conflict because of difficulty in getting along with the characters who don't follow your instructions as you expected, and suffering because of boredom with getting everything you want over and over again in a virtual reality. Sorry that I didn't address your original point because it's something for consideration, but the problems are all still there in a different way. Generally speaking escaping real life into anything else tends to makes real-life issues worse rather than better.

[Age]

I suggest 'the problem', if there REALLY IS one here, be ACTUALLY WRITTEN DOWN, or SAID, BEFORE ANY one even BEGINS to LOOK FOR A SOLUTION.