What is consciousness, beyond the self?

I know this is a stupid statement and thought experiment, I'm about to make, but it has made me pondering the elusive nature of consciousness, a philosophical conundrum surfaces: is consciousness exclusive to organic life - the state of being aware of and responsive to one's surroundings – prompts us to question whether the prerequisite of a subjective "self" is essential for consciousness.

Could everything be conscious?

To embark on this exploration, let's strip away preconceived notions and contemplate consciousness beyond the confines of our organic existence. If we set aside the notion of a self-aware entity, could a mere tool like an AA battery exhibit signs of consciousness? It functions when inserted into a device, responding to its surroundings through the movement of ions. While this may seem like a far-fetched idea, it challenges us to revaluate our understanding of consciousness.

"I think, therefore I am," Descartes declared, linking thought to existence. However, what if we extend this notion beyond human cognition? At a primitive level, various beings exhibit similar fundamental behaviours, suggesting a shared consciousness. But what about entities beyond the verbal organic realm – a tree, a fish, a parasite, a virus, an ion, or even a rock? Could they harbour a form of consciousness at a fundamental level simply because they exist? You can not argue that these subject do not interact with the world and their surroundings. Could they harbour a form of consciousness at a fundamental level simply because they exist?

Navigating the Paradox

As we contemplate these questions, we encounter a paradox. To truly understand consciousness, we might have to transcend existence itself, a predicament since communication of such findings would be impossible. The very act of questioning consciousness involves the consciousness we seek to comprehend.

Despite the speculative nature of this thought experiment, it invites us to reconsider our assumptions about consciousness. This playful exploration challenges us to think beyond conventional boundaries, prompting a moment of reflection on our own existence, or what we deem reality. Whether we find agreement or disagreement, the exercise serves as a reminder that our understanding of consciousness remains an enigma, always pushing the boundaries of our comprehension.