Consciousness – ‘Why are we conscious?

Consciousness: Why are we Conscious?
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Consciousness: Why are we Conscious?
In exploring consciousness, different researchers derive their ideologies from cognitive psychology. They integrate various theories in an attempt to offer enlightenment about the conscious and unconscious being. It is indeed impossible to forego the concept of unconsciousness while delving deep into the concept of consciousness. Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory, Mayan & Incan Theories and John Lock’s Theory of Personal Identity are useful in understanding consciousness from an in-depth analysis. According to these theories, human beings are conscious so as to understand and blend well in their immediate environment.
Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, being the most effective in exploring human consciousness, is classified into three parts. Through these divisions, he posits that one’s conscious creates an attachment between human beings and their surroundings. Freud’s theory also delineates an existence of consciousness by exploring the human mind (Fayek, 2013). In the conscious part, there is storage of good and useful elements that shape an individual’s behavior. The theory depicts that individuals are conscious so as to avoid succumbing to the unpleasant acts. Consciousness is important because it ensures that human beings create a distinction between fantasy and reality. Dwelling on the former, therefore, interferes with human beings and their ability to subscribe to morally upright actions.

While the conscious being motivates them to dwell on basic wants, the unconscious part; according to Sigmund Freud, drives humans to subscribe to lustful and unwanted desires (Stevens, 2008)
The conscious is essential to ensure that people understand the awareness of elements in their surroundings. Most of the desires that are often suppressed in the unconscious are considered quite conflicting apropos of human behavior. Since persons may suppress their sexual fetishes in the unconscious, this reality is notable in their conscious beings. Though subtly, these unwanted desires are depicted in one’s overall behavior and habitual nature. Sigmund Freud utilizes his theories to create a relationship between consciousness and cognitive psychology. Even if the conscious is directly connected to one’s mind, it is essential to understand the disparities between psychological states and consciousness. The relationship between one’s conscious and unconscious state is also notable through the former’s ability to covert realities into fantasies.
Additionally, it is clear that consciousness delineates the ability of human beings to be conversant with their immediate environments. The Mayan & Incan Theories of consciousness have ensured proper understanding of conscious beings both inwardly and outwardly. Owing to history, it is important to align these theories with early human existence. The Mayans were certain that consciousness assisted human evolution due to its direct relationship with inner and outer stimuli. Despite both their exploration of consciousness, the Incans identified the concept with consideration and regard for other people. Unlike other ideologies, the Incan theories believed that humans are conscious so as to bring about societal rather than personal development (Boundless, 2016). These Mayans share a similar idea with the Freudian theories because their perception of consciousness dwells primarily on a sole human being.
In his Theory of Personal Identity, John Locke strived to offer enlightenment on human consciousness. His theory focuses on an individual and the significance of consciousness in shaping one’s identity (Strawson, 2011). Locke shuns the physical being; considering its obsoleteness in exploring the tenets of human consciousness. The philosopher shares similar sentiments with Freud due to their ability to delve deeper into understanding the human mind. Even without one’s body, as Locke depicts, it is possible to experience consciousness through the transfer of material from one human soul to the other. Consciousness focuses solely on the human mind; denouncing the essentiality of one’s outward makeup in understanding human behavior. The relationship between consciousness and reflection reiterates the existence of the human mind in shaping one’s identity and behavior. Most importantly, Locke introduces the concept of past experiences in understanding one’s consciousness in the present. His theory depicts the essentiality of these prior events in shaping their current identities and behavior.
In molding these past experiences, the integration of present events influences human habits positively. Even if Locke creates a relationship between reflection and consciousness, it is important to understand their disparities. These contributions assist in realizing the necessity of consciousness in human beings. It is not inevitable for one to reflect upon an idea merely because they are conscious about the same. Other philosophers improve Locke’s Theory of Personal Identity by emphasizing the importance of consciousness in thought. Its affiliation with the human mind does not allow one’s conscious being to separate itself from these thought, logic and reason (Ward, 2010).
The three theories by Freud, Locke and Mayan & Incan are useful in exploring the concept of human consciousness. Despite the different perceptions, their theories maintain that the human mind is essential in understand both the conscious and unconscious being. Human behavior is not only shaped by the environment but, it is also molded by one’s consciousness. While the unconscious part suppresses unwanted desires, it is the role of the conscious to rectify these malfunctions. Human beings are conscious so as to understand the working mechanism of their environment; as well as its role in shaping their identities and behavior.
References
Boundless. “A History of Theories of Consciousness.” Boundless Psychology Boundless, 26 Sep. 2016. Retrieved 26 Dec. 2016
Fayek, A. (2013). Freud’s other theory of psychoanalysis: The replacement for the indelible theory of catharsis. Lanham: Jason Aronson. Print.
Strawson, G. (2011). Locke on personal identity: Consciousness and concernment. Princeton, N.J: Princeton University Press.
Stevens, R. (2008). Sigmund Freud: Examining the essence of his contribution. Basingstoke [England: Palgrave Macmillan.
Ward, L. (2010). John Locke and Modern Life. Cambridge University Press.