What is the Definition of Consciousness?
The question of consciousness is one of the most slippery in modern psychology, biology and philosophy. For many years the term consciousness, like the term mind, was avoided whenever possible by practitioners of the hard sciences. In recent years, however, a push has emerged to better explain and understand the process known as consciousness. Philosophically, at its most basic level, consciousness may be said to be the process of a thinker focusing the thought on some aspect of existence. This may be external or internal, and may exist in the realm we think of as the subconscious (such as dream states). These experiences are collectively known as qualia, and are the building blocks of the philosophical discussion surrounding consciousness. Physiologically, a number of processes have been identified with what we consider consciousness. Specifically, interfacing between layers of the brain is considered crucial to conscious activity, and when this interaction is impaired (as in deep sle
” Although consciousness-as-such is generally thought to be indefinable, it sometimes can be thought of as “the space in which phenomena arise,” or the pure Spirit or suchness or emptiness of this and all moments. Ken then outlines some of the other ways that consciousness is often thought of, including waves, levels, and structures of consciousness, and also the importance of the self-system that organizes and makes intelligible the phenomena within consciousness. This dialogue is both a fantastic stand-alone offering and addendum to “Does Physics Prove God?,” and we invite you to check it out in either case….
Requirements necessary for consciousness The binding problem or unitary sense of self. Randomness, non-deterministic free will. Non-algorithmic intuitive processing. Reversible ablation by general anaesthesia. Difference (and transition) between pre-, sub- and non-conscious processes and consciousness.
