Exploring the Enigma of Consciousness: More than Just an Experience

Can consciousness be equated to an experience? This age-old question has puzzled philosophers and scientists alike. A resounding No!

While we can experience objects such as solids, liquids, gases, and even thoughts, the entity that experiences these is fundamentally different. Thoughts, although beyond the reach of our five senses, are undeniable and deeply personal. Thoughts are the product of memory recall, emerging from the memory bank of information. However, thought is a process, not a stand-alone entity apart from memory itself.

So, what is the entity that experiences matter and thoughts? This entity, known as consciousness, is a mysterious and elusive presence. As we delve into the nature of consciousness, we uncover the complexity of this subjectivity.

Consciousness as Subjectivity

Consciousness is the concept of subjectivity, or the awareness of oneself and the world. It is a light that does all the experiencing while remaining totally elusive. Subjectivity cannot be objectified, and it is this light that perceives and experiences the world around us.

Think of the eye as an analogy. The eye can see the entire creation but cannot see itself. Similarly, subjectivity knows itself by the experiences it perceives. The eye intuitively understands its existence through the creation it perceives. This is how subjectivity understands itself – by perceiving the world as a 3D hologram within itself. This self-knowledge is not an experience but an insight.

The Nature of Consciousness

Consciousness is not static. It is constantly changing and shifting. Conscious experiences are dynamic and diverse. While it may seem that consciousness can be equated to an experience, it is more complex than that. Consciousness is not empirically observable; no amount of scientific study or physiological observation can provide a complete understanding of what it is like to experience consciousness.

Consciousness is a relativistic phenomenon, meaning that what is considered conscious depends on the observer's frame of reference. This subjective nature makes it challenging to standardize or define consciousness using objective scientific methods. Many scholars, such as David Chalmers, argue that no scientific theory can truly explain consciousness. The question of how something as intangible as consciousness arises from the material world remains a profound mystery.

Implications for Philosopher and Scientist

The complex nature of consciousness challenges both philosophers and scientists. It is not merely an experience, but a deep, subjective, and ephemeral presence. Understanding consciousness requires a multidisciplinary approach, integrating insights from philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, and even quantum physics.

While we can study the brain and its functions, the experience itself remains an enigma. The insights gained from introspection and subjective experiences can provide valuable data for understanding the nature of consciousness. However, the ultimate understanding of consciousness may require new paradigms and approaches that transcend traditional scientific methods.

Conclusion

Consciousness is a deceptively simple concept that reveals profound complexities. While it can be equated to an experience in the sense that it involves subjective awareness, its nature goes beyond mere experience. Consciousness is a mysterious and elusive light that permeates our understanding of the world. As we continue to explore the nature of consciousness, we uncover its depth and complexity, inviting us to question and expand our understanding of the human mind and our place in the universe.