4: KKDP 1 What is consciousness Flashcards
Consciousness:
Can be defined as our awareness of objects and events in the external world, and our sensations, mental experiences and own existence at any given moment.
The contents of consciousness:
Whatever we are aware of at any given moment is commonly referred to as the contents of our consciousness.
Personal consciousness:
Is a subjective understanding of your unique internal world and the external environment.
Selective consciousness:
You can choose to attend to certain things and ignore others
Continuous consciousness:
Our consciousness is continuous as there is never a time in the course of a typical day when your consciousness is ‘empty’
Changing consciousness:
Our consciousness is changing as new information is continually coming into awareness, particularly while you are awake
Consciousness as a Psychological Construct:
Consciousness is referred to as a psychological construct ; a concept that is constructed to describe specific psychological activity, that is believed to exist but cannot be directly observed.
Consciousness Continuum:
Focused Attention Normal Wakefulness Daydreaming Meditative State Hypnotised Sleeping Anaesthetized Coma
Normal Waking Consciousness:
Refers to the state of consciousness associated with being awake and aware of objects and events in the external world, e.g. one’s sensations
Altered Waking Consciousness:
Any state of consciousness that is distinctly different from normal waking consciousness in terms of level of awareness and experience.
Naturally occurring ASC’s:
Are a normal part of our lives and occurs in the course of our everyday activities without the need for any aid. e.g. daydreaming, sleep
Induced ASC’s:
Can be intentionally or unintentionally be achieved by the use of some kind of aid. E.g. Meditation, drugs
