Do you think machine consciousness is possible?
warewolfe: Yes, it is possible. But a more important question would be "What are the benefits from creating an artificially conscious(A.C.) system?" 
 There are a myriad of uses for smarter computer systems that can problem solve with minimal guidance from humans. 
But what practical use is there for A.C?  Howabout re-phrasing the original question into "Do you think it is possible to genetically enhance and selective breed apes into a race of human-level+ super-apes". Sure, it's possible, but why do it?

If you are trying to create a controllable human-like intelligence, then ethically it is the same as creating a slave race, and practically it is just overkill 
for any real-world use. And if you are trying to create a human-like intelligence with free-will, then you are creating a competitor/replacement.