Non reductionist approach to consciousness Comparison between Swami Vivekananda and Sri Aurobindo

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INTRODUCTION Consciousness is the most fundamental and significant theme for philosophizing. Whether it be philosophy of mind, phenomenology, philosophy of language or cultural theory offering analysis of social action, a discussion on consciousness figures around. Consciousness is perhaps the most familiar yet puzzling entity to be discussed. It is an umbrella term covering many aspects and wide ranging meanings. If one considers consciousness as an entity, it is an aspect of reality. One may also explain it as a reflection of whatever property or aspect attributed by the term 'conscious'. Many are the possibilities of reaching out to consciousness. The fundamental question that arises in this context is: whether one makes an 'explanation' of consciousness or an 'understanding' of consciousness or 'experience' or 'realisation' of consciousness. It is due to the difference in the approach that the puzzle appears and therefore the solution tied up with consciousness arises. Scientific efforts are, in fact, an attempt at the explanation of consciousness. Logical argumentations and philosophico-linguistic expressions may help to understand consciousness. But consciousness as a metaphysical entity is beyond physicalist explanations or logical reasonings and therefore linguistic expressions. It is to be experienced through phenomenological reductions or meditative introspective first person approaches.