ABSTRACT
The delicate problem of consciousness is approached by presenting the meanings that several authors have historically formulated. To overcome the visible contrast between cognitive consciousness and phenomenal consciousness, we have redefined the concept of ‘consciousness’, keeping it in inverted commas, as in ‘consciousness of consciousness’. From ‘consciousness’, which is the second moment in the process, derive the facets of identity, the incidence of society, and, above all, the affirming of self. In our everyday lives, the affirming of self is undoubtedly positive. It is better to affirm oneself rather than to subject oneself or to delegate. The problem is that affirming oneself occurs on the basis of ‘consciousness’. Therein lies the cause of various problems that arise in social or family relations, or in the relations within a couple. ‘Consciousness’ is not an absolute, a point to be defended at all costs, at any time and in any circumstances.
