The topic of consciousness and moral responsibility is really interesting but can be tricky to understand. Here are some simple thoughts based on what I've been thinking:

1. Free Will vs. Determinism: If our consciousness gives us free will, then we are responsible for what we do. But if determinism is right and our choices come from previous events, then it’s unclear how responsible we really are.

2. Awareness and Intent: Consciousness helps us be aware of our choices and what might happen because of them. This awareness is important for moral responsibility because it means we can think about our actions and make decisions that are right and fair.

3. Compassion and Accountability: When we notice that different beings have different levels of consciousness, like animals or people with cognitive disabilities, it makes us rethink how we hold them accountable. We have to find a way to balance kindness with fairness in our moral thinking.

In the end, consciousness changes how we think about accountability and ethics in important ways.