Digital Consciousness in *Altered Carbon*

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In Altered Carbon, digital consciousness is explored through the concept of cortical stacks, which store human consciousness digitally. This technology allows individuals to transfer their consciousness into new bodies, known as "sleeves," enabling them to switch bodies and essentially achieve immortality. The process, called "re-sleeving," challenges traditional notions of identity and mortality by making bodies interchangeable. The implications of digital consciousness in Altered Carbon raise ethical questions about identity, consent, and societal stratification. Wealthy individuals can afford multiple bodies, while the poor face mortality without recourse. This disparity highlights issues of access and control over advanced technologies, prompting reflections on the future of human identity and agency in a digitized world.