ABSTRACT
The primary element of all human experience is consciousness. George H. Mead called it reflective human consciousness. The concept of consciousness has troubled philosophers for millennia. This chapter begins by making few assumptions. It identifies several factors and components within consciousness in order to explain the concept; it is critical to keep in mind that consciousness is a gestalt, a whole that is greater than the sum of its component parts. The chapter reviews reflective human consciousness as a continually emerging process. The 'specious present' is an essential part of reflective human consciousness. The personal reflection and awareness that time is passing is an essential element of reflective human consciousness. Humans are able to reflect on past experiences and future events beyond the 'specious present'. Reflection on the problems and differences encountered during manipulation and the resultant consummation provides feedback to reflective human consciousness.
