8 proofs of cs

Consciousness as Construction of Self

• Foundation of Knowledge: Descartes posits self-consciousness as the starting point for all knowledge, echoed in his famous cogito: "I doubt, therefore I think; I think, therefore I exist; I exist, therefore I am."

  • This thought is fully transparent to itself, meaning one is aware of their thinking process and existence.

  • Cognition surpasses the certainty of external reality, confirming existence mentally.

Reflection in Consciousness

• Power of Reflection: Consciousness allows for deep introspection and the structuring of our experiences.

  • Functions as a mirror reflecting both self and world, aiding in personal perception.

  • Helps construct our subjective reality, making the external world relatable.

Intentionality of Consciousness

• Connection to the External World: Consciousness is inherently relational and cannot exist in isolation.

  • Introduced by Husserl, it emphasizes that "all consciousness is consciousness of something."

  • Represents an active engagement with the world—consciousness is always directed toward external objects.

Activity of Choice in Consciousness

• Consciousness as Decision-Making: It enables individuals to make choices that impact their lives.

  • Example: Descartes indicates that while dreaming of eating an apple, one cannot doubt or dream simultaneously—this proves consciousness.

  • Husserl's perspective: reflects the dual existence of thought (the brain) and its content (the book being thought of).

Consciousness as Activity of Synthesis

• Kant's View on Thought: Presents consciousness as not being a thing, but rather a power of thought.

  • Consciousness synthesizes various stimuli (sight, sound, etc.) into organized experiences.

  • Examples of synthesis:

    • Chemical reaction synthesis examples include C + O2 = CO2 and 2CaO + 2H2O = 2Ca(OH)2.

    • Initiates a conscious act as one creates a new understanding or substance.

Adaptation Through Consciousness

• Function of Adaptation: Consciousness facilitates our adaptation to reality and societal norms.

  • Example: Clothing styles may vary based on societal expectations—adaptation reflects consciousness.

Refusal of the Unconscious

• Philosophical Perspectives: Descartes and Sartre reject unconsciousness as part of psychic phenomena; everything psychic must be conscious.

  • For Sartre, consciousness embodies existence, while unconsciousness is equated to bad faith—a form of self-deception.

  • Illustrative contradictions in unconscious beliefs: Light cannot coexist with darkness in the same space or time.

Self-Reflection Through Introspection

• Method of Introspection: The primary method for studying consciousness involves self-examination and analysis.

  • Provides direct knowledge of one's self through mental observations (feelings, acts).

  • Example Activity: Reflecting on personal actions—"Have I made someone smile today?"

  • Terminology: Related concepts include introspective, introversion, extroversion, and extrospection (which is the opposite of introspection).