As you say, the way string theory requires all these extra dimensions and this comes from certain consistency requirements about how string should behave and so on.

Well, gauge theory is very fundamental to our understanding of physical forces these days. But they are also dependent on a mathematical idea, which has been around for longer than gauge theory has.

With thought comprising a non-computational element, computers can never do what we human beings can.

I would say the universe has a purpose. It's not there just somehow by chance.

As you say, the way string theory requires all these extra dimensions and this comes from certain consistency requirements about how string should behave and so on.

Consciousness ... is the phenomenon whereby the universe's very existence is made known.

What right do we have to claim, as some might, that human beings are the only inhabitants of our planet blessed with an actual ability to be "aware"? The impression of a "conscious presence" is indeed very strong with me when I look at a dog or a cat or, especially, when an ape or monkey at the zoo looks at me. I do not ask that they are "self-aware" in any strong sense (though I would guess that an element of self-awareness can be present). All I ask is that they sometimes simply feel!