Consciousness is understood very differently in Western and Indian philosophical traditions. Western thought typically treats consciousness as a function of the brain, and early psychology defined itself as the science of consciousness. Indian philosophy, by contrast, describes consciousness as a universal, timeless, non-material principle that underlies all existence and is not limited to human experience. This article examines these contrasting viewpoints, emphasizing the Indian tradition's view of consciousness as an innate, immutable force that shapes reality and connects the self to the cosmos, offering rich ethical and spiritual insights.
Consciousness is examined as a concept that spans philosophy, culture, and artificial intelligence. The paper argues that consciousness is not merely a philosophical puzzle but also a cultural construct and a technological frontier. It addresses challenges in defining consciousness, explores diverse cultural interpretations of self-awareness, and considers ethical and technical questions about replicating or simulating consciousness in machines. The analysis calls for continued dialogue among these fields to navigate the complexities of consciousness in a technologically driven world.