How can we explain tangibly what consciousness is?
Answer Podcast
Transcript
Disclaimer: This transcript was generated using AI and may contain occasional errors or inaccuracies.
How can we tangibly explain what is consciousness? Consciousness is basically the capacity to be aware, aware of our own existence and aware of others existence. So, some people say there is no such thing as consciousness, yes, that is possible, but even the denial of consciousness is an acknowledgement of consciousness. Because, this mic, it won't say that I don't exist, because even to say that I don't exist, you have to exist and have consciousness and say something.
So actually, consciousness is the foundation of all knowledge. If we did not have consciousness, we could not know anything. All science is possible because scientists are conscious, because we are all conscious.
So there are certain realities which are foundational for functioning in this world. So consciousness is a given. If consciousness had not been there, then no knowledge would be possible and even the denial of consciousness would not be possible.
If I say, I don't know even one word of English, I have already spoken seven words. This sentence is a self-contradiction. Similarly, to say that I don't have consciousness, well, you have to have consciousness to say that you don't have consciousness.
So consciousness is an undeniable fundamental reality that enables us to become aware of all other realities. To say that consciousness is an illusion requires someone who is under illusion. See, there is a very important difference over here.
If somebody's consciousness is an illusion, okay, say like a mirage is an illusion, now the object can be an illusion, the subject can't be an illusion. Getting the difference? See, the mirage may be an illusion, but there has to be someone who is under illusion, isn't it? And that person has to be real. If I am seeing water where there is no water, the water has to be there, water may not be there.
Both are possible. But somebody has to be there who sees the water where it is not there or water where it is there. So, the object of perception can be an illusion, but the subject of perception cannot be an illusion.
So, if the consciousness is an illusion, then you have to ask whose illusion is it? Somebody has to be there who is perceiving it or not, and that person has to be conscious. So, consciousness is the fundamental reality of life, which is what enables us to acquire any kind of knowledge, make any kind of assertion.