There's no non-physical "ghost in the machine," and I don't even see the value in probing consciousness down to its most fundamental essence.

So, we know enough now, and it's time to quit sciencing about it? Weird response.

> There's no non-physical "ghost in the machine"

But of course there is a physical one, that at some point appears. Or, it is a kind of gradation that at its highest peak is a human, and at its deepest depths is...

Penrose is very much a materialist. He thinks that humans could someday create machines that can tap into whatever quantum effects the brain uses.

I didn't say I wasn't a materialist :). It's important for consciousness philosophers to have a sense of humour, I think (and remember the shortcomings of their own arguments).