Exploring the Depths of Consciousness and Reality: A Journey Through Different Forms of Awareness and Relational Ontology

Abby Dougherty
5 min readJun 22, 2024

The nature of consciousness and reality has fascinated thinkers for centuries. In this exploration, we delve into the myriad forms of consciousness, the concept of relational consciousness, and the intriguing realm of relational ontology and quantum mechanics. These ideas not only broaden our understanding of awareness but also challenge traditional views of existence itself.

Understanding Different Forms of Consciousness

Consciousness is a multifaceted phenomenon that shapes our experiences and interactions with the world. Phenomenal consciousness refers to the subjective experience of being aware, often described as “what it feels like” to have an experience, including sensations like pain, seeing colors, and hearing sounds (Chalmers, 1996). Access consciousness involves the ability to access and utilize information in reasoning, speech, and behavior, focusing on how information is made available for cognitive processing and decision-making (Block, 1995). Self-consciousness involves awareness of oneself as an individual, distinct from the environment and others, including self-reflection and the ability to consider one’s own thoughts and actions (Gallagher, 2000).

--

--

Abby Dougherty

Abby Dougherty, PhD, loves to learn, and produce scholarship on relational-cultural theory, virtual reality, AI, and using mindfulness in counselor education.