Consciousness as a philosophical concept

The definition of "consciousness" tried to give a Millennium ago. With the development of the philosophical doctrine there are many individual movements and schools, which had their own methods in the study of the phenomenon. There is still no clear objective definition of consciousness, its structure.

The problem of consciousness has been studied and studied various branches of philosophy. If we consider the ontological aspect, to answer the question you need to know its origin, structure, relation to unconscious and consciousness. Also have to explain the connection between matter and consciousness. This is a fairly complex process that requires objectivity.

Three approaches to the study of the concept of "consciousness"

We can distinguish three main approaches to the study of consciousness. Each of them has its benefits and disadvantages. Together can give a more or less clear picture.

Epistemological aspect. In this case, we study the cognitive abilities by which the individual is able to acquire new knowledge.

The axiological approach. Consciousness is seen as a holistic nature.

Praxiological approach. In the foreground are aspects of the activities. Particular attention is drawn to the relationship of consciousness to human action.

The definition of "consciousness" in philosophy

In the philosophy of consciousness can be defined as the superior ability of mental reflection of reality. Consciousness is inherent exclusively to man. Consciousness can not be passionless and unemotional reflection of the internal or external world. The phenomenon of consciousness it is necessary to speak as about the experience and knowledge at the same time that occur within the individual.

There is another definition of consciousness as a deliberate display of reality on the basis of which is governed by its behavior. This idea of conscious human thought was pretty long. In this case a long time unconscious and conscious were one, not separated. Consciousness is often equated to intelligence and thinking.

A big problem for the allocation of consciousness, its definition is that in every act of consciousness collapses the uniqueness and originality of man. Consciousness is expressed in almost every human manifestation. According to Nietzsche, it cannot be separated from life experience. It should be read in conjunction with it.

The structure of consciousness

Philosophy considers consciousness as a whole system. However, in each separate philosophical direction it has a totally different structure. For example, A. Spirkin identifies three main spheres: cognitive, emotional, volitional.

But Jung already distinguishes four functions of consciousness, which manifest themselves on the conscious and unconscious levels: thinking, feeling, sensation, intuition.

Until now, philosophers have tried to give a clear structure of consciousness, but it is to some extent subjective.