The Phenomenal Consciousness

Phenomenal consciousness refers to the subjective experience of being aware—the feelings, sensations, and perceptions we directly experience. It’s what makes us feel happy, sad, or see the color red. Essentially, it’s the inner “what it’s like” aspect of consciousness, emphasizing the personal, first-person perspective that accompanies our thoughts and sensory experiences. This phenomenon is distinct from the physical processes in the brain, focusing instead on the rich qualities of experience that make consciousness meaningful and immediate for each individual.