What is consciousness?
Consciousness is one of the most complex and debated topics in philosophy, neuroscience, and cognitive science. At its core, consciousness refers to:
> The state or quality of being aware of and able to think about one's own existence, thoughts, surroundings, and experiences.
Key Aspects of Consciousness
1. Awareness
The ability to perceive the environment and oneself (e.g., “I see the sky,” “I feel pain”).
2. Subjective Experience (Qualia)
The “what it feels like” aspect of being. For example, the redness of red or the pain of a headache. These are deeply personal and subjective.
3. Intentionality
The quality of mental states to be "about" something — a belief about the world, a desire for food, etc.
4. Self-Awareness
The capacity not just to be aware, but to be aware that you are aware. It includes the sense of identity and introspection.
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Major Theories of Consciousness
There is no consensus on how consciousness arises, but here are some prominent theories:
Global Workspace Theory (GWT)
Consciousness arises when information is broadcast widely across the brain's "global workspace," allowing different systems (like memory, attention, language) to access it.
Integrated Information Theory (IIT)
Consciousness corresponds to the level of integration of information in a system — the more integrated and differentiated the system, the higher its consciousness.
Higher-Order Theories
Consciousness arises when the brain has thoughts about its own mental states — a kind of meta-awareness.
Panpsychism
A philosophical view that consciousness is a fundamental feature of the universe, perhaps present in all matter to some degree.
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The Hard Problem
Coined by philosopher David Chalmers, the “hard problem of consciousness” asks:
> Why and how does physical brain activity give rise to subjective experience?
While we can often explain how the brain processes information (the "easy problems"), explaining why it feels like something to be aware remains a mystery.
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