Living Consciousness: Introduction

The distinction is proposed between living consciousness, which includes subjective experiences (e.g., perceptions, feelings, emotions, imagination, dreams, and creative thinking) not addressed to the external world and functioning in accord with the laws of magic, versus objectified consciousness, which is living consciousness converted into forms prepared for the consumption by society and culture (e.g., scientific concepts, logical thinking, moral norms, and human artefacts) and conforms to the laws of nature and formal logic. The aim of the book is outlined as examining properties of living consciousness and showing that living consciousness, far from being a mere accompaniment to brain functions, is the primary source from which objectified consciousness is built.