Chapter 1: The Enigma of Consciousness

Consciousness remains one of the most captivating elements of human existence. It enables us to recognize our thoughts, emotions, and environment. Yet, given our inability to directly observe consciousness, how can we affirm its presence? What does consciousness truly entail? Various perspectives exist on this topic.

One method involves analyzing the behaviors of living beings to speculate on their consciousness; however, without knowing their experiences, how can we ascertain their awareness? Every organism, whether sentient or not, expresses itself distinctly.

Another approach focuses on the brain and its role in generating awareness, a task complicated by the intricate nature of the brain. Theoretical physicist Michio Kaku has remarked:

“The human brain consists of 100 billion neurons, each connected to 10,000 other neurons. What sits atop your shoulders is the most complex entity in the known universe.”

According to Sigmund Freud, an Austrian neurologist, psychoanalyst, and philosopher, human consciousness comprises three levels: conscious, preconscious, and unconscious. The Conscious Mind includes all thoughts, memories, feelings, and desires that are actively in our awareness. This area encompasses memories that, while not always at the forefront of our minds, can be easily accessed.

The Preconscious Mind consists of information that can be brought into conscious awareness, while the Unconscious Mind is a reservoir of memories, impulses, sensations, and thoughts that remain hidden from conscious awareness. This storehouse often holds uncomfortable or conflicting emotions.

When does human consciousness actually commence?

While newborns display signs of basic awareness, substantial development is necessary for them to achieve mature consciousness. For instance, an infant may make fleeting eye contact with its mother or exhibit avoidance to potentially harmful stimuli. However, these connections are still in their formative stages, indicating a rudimentary level of consciousness.

As children grow, they gradually start to recognize their individuality. Self-awareness doesn't emerge instantaneously; it develops over time. A young child may see their reflection in a mirror and acknowledge it, yet they may not fully comprehend that the image represents themselves. As they mature, they may grasp that others perceive this reflection as well.

Philippe Rochat's "Five Stages of Self-Awareness," conceived during his 2003 research at Emory University, illustrates this developmental process. Each stage is assessed through the mirror test, a method designed to evaluate self-awareness that gained traction in the 1970s.

Stage 1 — Birth

The earliest interaction with a mirror may involve a baby bumping into it without recognizing it as a reflective surface. While a newborn can differentiate between their image and the background, a deeper sense of self-awareness takes more time to develop.

Stage 2 — 2 Months

By two months, infants not only recognize the distinction between themselves and their surroundings but can also comprehend their body's position in relation to the environment. Evidence from a 1992 study suggests that two-month-olds can imitate an adult's tongue movement, demonstrating situational awareness.

Stage 3 — 18 Months

At 18 months, children start reaching for marks on their bodies, relying solely on their mirror reflection to identify discrepancies about themselves. This stage often coincides with the onset of language acquisition.

Stage 4 — 3 Years

Toddlers begin to recognize their mirror image as "self" on the journey toward complete self-awareness, although they may sometimes view it as a separate entity.

Stage 5 — 4 to 5 Years

Around age four, often termed meta self-awareness or self-consciousness, a child starts to realize that their reflection is the “me” perceived by others. This realization frequently leads to mirror shyness, as they become aware that their reflection is what others see.

Summary of Self-Awareness Stages:

Level 1: That’s a mirror

Level 2: There’s a person in it

Level 3: That person is me

Level 4: That person will always be me

Level 5: Everyone can see it.

What Do You Recognize When You Look in the Mirror?

Does your conscious self stare back at you?

Final Thoughts

How can you ascertain your own consciousness? One possible answer lies in your awareness of thoughts and emotions. Another is your ability to engage with the world around you. Evolution has endowed us with a so-called theory of mind, enabling us to anticipate the feelings and intentions of others.

Yet, alongside this ability comes a propensity for deception and a concern about being deceived. Pretending to be conscious while being unaware would constitute the ultimate falsehood.

These questions lack simple answers. Despite extensive philosophical and scientific discussions over centuries, we still do not fully grasp the essence of consciousness. Nevertheless, awareness remains an intriguing and enigmatic aspect of human life. The next time you find yourself conscious of your thoughts and surroundings, consider the intricate nature of your consciousness. Thank you for reading…

This video explores the concept of consciousness and delves into what it means to be aware.

In this video, Mark Solms discusses the origins of consciousness and its significance in understanding human experience.