Functional Characteristics of Consciousness: A Biopsychological Model

This article explores the plausible connection between conscious and unconscious/non-conscious processes that facilitate our (human) interaction with the environment, aiming to demystify the relationship between the mind and body from a biopsychological perspective. Much of the brain and body processes remain outside our conscious awareness, thereby narrowing the window of what we can directly know. Based on a literature review in brain and mind sciences, followed by analysis and interpretation, human consciousness can be attributed to three foundational functional characteristics: agency, selective attention, and adaptivity. They have an interconnected relationship, forming a robust means that overcomes the narrow window of knowledge acquisition. All these are achieved because of the harmony/interdependency between consciousness and the brain-body mechanisms (biological life). Finally, I oppose the philosophical perspective that views consciousness as an epiphenomenon or an accidental by-product of evolution. Instead, I propose a biopsychological model centered on the above three characteristics, which suggests viewing consciousness as a sophisticated, essential, and novel tool for navigating the complexities of our biological existence and the world around us. In conclusion, agency, selective attention, and adaptivity, as key features of consciousness, apply equally to life due to their interdependency. This forms the basis for insightful future exploration in both fields, toward broadening human knowledge.