The Riddle of Consciousness: in search of definition and comprehension of subjective experience

This article presents an analysis of the complex and multifaceted problem of defining consciousness, which has occupied the minds of philosophers and scientists for centuries.The main aspects considered in the article are: the evolution of the concept of consciousness, the problem of definition, related concepts. Thus, it is traced how the understanding of consciousness has changed throughout history — from ancient ideas about the soul to modern scientific and philosophical theories. At the same time, the article identifies the key difficulties preventing the formulation of a single, comprehensive definition of consciousness, such as its subjective nature, the variety of manifestations and the problem of "difficult consciousness" (explanation of the emergence of subjective experience from physical processes). In particular, the differentiation of the concept of "consciousness" and related concepts such as "awareness", "sensitivity" and "self-awareness", clarifying their content and relationship.The article emphasizes that, despite the lack of a definitive answer to the question of the nature and essence of consciousness, philosophical analysis and scientific research allow us to better understand this amazing phenomenon and its role in human life.