Definition
The ability to have subjective experience and, depending on the context, to perceive, reflect or make moral judgment.
Consciousness can mean having a subjective experience, knowing one's self and the world, or moral consciousness. Philosophy, neuroscience, psychology and spirituality do not always use it in the same way. It remains one of the most difficult subjects to define.
To be retained
- Distinguish conscience, attention and moral conscience
- Specify the meaning used
- Recognizing the current limitations of knowledge
- Avoid confusing subjective experience with scientific explanation
Origin of the term and context
The word comes from the Latin conscious, "knowing with." It covers phenomenal consciousness, self-consciousness, vigilance and moral consciousness.
Why does it matter?
Consciousness is at the crossroads of philosophy, neuroscience, psychology and spirituality. No single theory is now consensus.
- Allow experience and reflection
- Support self-regulation
- Be subject to interdisciplinary research
- Stay partially unexplained
How can I practice it?
- Distinguish vigilance, self-consciousness and morals
- Observe the experience without concluding too quickly
- Compare philosophical and scientific approaches
- Keep a place in doubt
Misconceptions and points of caution
- Consciousness is not defined in a unique way.
- Neurosciences have not solved the problem entirely.
- Spiritual beliefs are not scientific evidence.
Perspectives from different traditions
- Vedānta: awareness as a fundamental reality according to some schools.
- Buddhism: analysis of consciousness without permanent self.
- Western philosophy: spirit, subjectivity and intent.
To go further
- L›Neurnal man — Jean-Pierre Changeux
- Consciousness Explained — Daniel Dennett
- The Conscious Mind — David Chalmers