Why is there consciousness?

Question

Obviously we are conscious - of things, self, colors, ... What's not so obvious is why we're conscious at all

(By "consciousness" I mean a recognition of something, seeing something else. Even self-awareness is seeing yourself *as* an Other; you're stepping back from yourself, so to speak.)

"Survival value" doesn't seem like a plausible explanation to me, because both the owl and the mouse are already conscious. Sunflowers track the sun, suggesting an awareness of it, though I'm not sure. (I'm inclined to say yes.) I'm interested in why animals and (maybe) plants are conscious to begin with.

Answer 1

The explanation of consciousness is similar in its circular
reasoning to accepting existence. I don't think people
can choose to be or not be conscious. If an individual
alters their consciousness, perhaps through drugs, then
the individual has made a conscious choice to be
consciously less conscious for an interval of time.
The point is, consciousness is, just as existence is.
Even if structured decisions aren't formulated then
the individual can be conscious that structured decisions
haven't been formulated, so it is not structure that
gives rise to consciousness. However, in common
usage people often do associate consciousness
with the structured awareness of themself and the
environment around them, but this is the definition
of consciousness not the explanation. Through this
definition, perhaps the most appropriate explanation
is in the semantics of consciousness and the question
"why". In my opinion, it is not possible to ask why without
being conscious because consideration requires
consciousness. Therefore, "why" assumes consciousness
and regardless of the stability or rational of the rules which
govern "why", consciousness is a requisite. Furthermore,
in that light, the question can be answered simply by
asking "why" excluding "is there consciousness".

Answer 2

There are many people who will tell you that we are conscious because of god but those same kind of people thought things came down when they were thrown up because of god long ago.

I won't get into the finer details as to why it is impossible for god to exist, if you are interested in my explanation email me. As to why we are conscious, I think a better question is "How are we conscious?" "Why" suggests purpose and I'm sorry to say that many explanations don't hold to our traditional beliefs that we have some sort of purpose.

If we remove all the senses (sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste) we are still conscious much like we are still alive if we lose an arm, a leg, and so on. Without senses we are left with a blank slate, just a conscious mind and subconscious mind. If we see the sun we know it is there, if we feel the wind we know it exists. How can we know that either of these things exist without senses to detect them?

If a person without senses was to be given eyes s/he would see the sun but just because s/he can now detect the sun, how can s/he be sure it really exists? When that person had no senses they did not know what the sun was, but what they did have is a subconscious mind working overtime to provide some sort of distraction/entertainment for the conscious mind. Hence the eyes, hence the sun.

The eyes don't really exist either it turns out just as the sun does not. Everything the eyes see is a product of the subconscious mind just as everything the person experiences from any of the other four senses is not real because each of the senses themselves are all in your head.

We are left with the conclusion that after all the things in the world, people too, are considered to be products of your subconscious mind that the only things left, to have ever existed, are you and your subconscious.

In answer to your question as to why animals and plants are conscious, it is as simple as the subconscious wanting them to be conscious.

Likewise if we look at current events in the world, the subconscious has thought up these things and presented them to our conscious mind as fact. Why the subconscious mind would find war and death to be entertaining says a lot about the person whose thoughts we are all living in.

Answer 3

Why Is There Consciousness

Answer 4

Consciousness of animals and plants ends on instinctive level, and they're conscious 'cause they're alive, certain consciousness is a feature of all living.
Consciousness is like a tool, it may be compared to a computer program, which enables living organism to operate in its environment.
We, human beings, have much more "advanced" consciousness, which give us ability for searching, investigating, finally asking "why?", "for what?" and so on.
There's a theory that God, or Universe (I mean Everything) is the eternal breath knowing not itself. It's like the Ocean of energy, and we are fish in it. And we exist to learn, cognize the world around us, it's our primary task.
So, "advanced" consciousness is given to us to allow us to learn ourselves and the world we live in.

Answer 5

answer 1: Why not? Its not as if we had a choice or there is a reason to begin with. its there cos its there

answer 2: consciousness allows for evolution. One day we will evolve to the stage so near god we may replace him so that he can retire :P

Answer 6

You are conscious for one reason.

Life is a testing ground to choose to love and worship your creator out of faith, or not.

all other living non human things have a limited consciousness to survive so that they may feed you while you are taking the time you have been granted to make your decision.

Everything else is only a distraction to take your thoughts from your creator.

Answer 7

So you can ask questions and learn, and understand what and who you are; so you will come to a better understanding of everything else. Everything is connected... Know Thyself.

Good luck!

Answer 8

To support dilirium, hullucinations, and intoxication. Can't get stoned if your not conscious.

Answer 9

it started by civilized man....
when we pass gas we are able to say: "excuse me"
common sense and consciousness go hand and hand!

Answer 10

To keep you alive.