We absolutely can explain consciousness in "normal scientific terms" if we define "consciousness" clearly using the normal reality we have in common. For example, I define consciousness as: levels of modeling of reality, with higher levels being able to model multiple perspectives (current-to-goal-states of systems/individuals). Simple matter only "models" itself at it's current. An atom is a "representation" of itself as it is right now. In symmetry, this is called the identity symmetry. The most basic. Simple matter is the zeroth level of consciousness. Then, at the first, one dimensional, level of consciousness, simple LIVING matter models it's current state AND a goal state (its needs, as in "I want to eat" or "I want to divide into multiple copies of me."). At the 2D level, complex living organisms involve models of their own current and goal states as well as the current and goal states of another, adding emotional level consciousness to the physical level of the self. Mammals, birds, and maybe some other species model a the needs of a mate or offspring so as to better collaborate with them. As an organism evolves to be more complex, the 3D intellectual level consciousness emerges, where it can model it's own current-to-goal states, as well as those of a close companion in any form (family, friends, or anyone who happens to be in the same boat, so to speak), and also adds a way to model the needs of whole communities and environments, simultaneously, so that problem solving can serve many different needs at once. Finally, with humans at least, on occasion we attain a level of consciousness that aims to serve the 4D consciousness of philosophy, where we try to meet the needs of our own bodies, our companion's body, our community's collective system, and our whole universe's needs, using the laws of physics themselves (as well as we can understand them) to find paths that help us all get where we want to go. This could be called "panpsychism" if you want to be confusing to the general public, but it's really just defining consciousness in a logical, simple-physics-and-chemistry sort of way, based on how information processing functions in thinking machines (of any type), where mathematical functions (vectors of change) interact in ever more multidimensional (big picture) ways, for more effective problem solving. Or, even more simply, it's like making Venn diagrams for every level of relationship we're aware of having, seeing where the overlap is, and using that space as the solution to helping us all. The higher the level of perspective-taking/modeling/consciousness, the more circles there are.
Life, the Universe and Everything. 42.
And, Experience.
Without limitations, nothing can be measured. Nothing gained.
We absolutely can explain consciousness in "normal scientific terms" if we define "consciousness" clearly using the normal reality we have in common. For example, I define consciousness as: levels of modeling of reality, with higher levels being able to model multiple perspectives (current-to-goal-states of systems/individuals). Simple matter only "models" itself at it's current. An atom is a "representation" of itself as it is right now. In symmetry, this is called the identity symmetry. The most basic. Simple matter is the zeroth level of consciousness.
Then, at the first, one dimensional, level of consciousness, simple LIVING matter models it's current state AND a goal state (its needs, as in "I want to eat" or "I want to divide into multiple copies of me.").
At the 2D level, complex living organisms involve models of their own current and goal states as well as the current and goal states of another, adding emotional level consciousness to the physical level of the self. Mammals, birds, and maybe some other species model a the needs of a mate or offspring so as to better collaborate with them.
As an organism evolves to be more complex, the 3D intellectual level consciousness emerges, where it can model it's own current-to-goal states, as well as those of a close companion in any form (family, friends, or anyone who happens to be in the same boat, so to speak), and also adds a way to model the needs of whole communities and environments, simultaneously, so that problem solving can serve many different needs at once.
Finally, with humans at least, on occasion we attain a level of consciousness that aims to serve the 4D consciousness of philosophy, where we try to meet the needs of our own bodies, our companion's body, our community's collective system, and our whole universe's needs, using the laws of physics themselves (as well as we can understand them) to find paths that help us all get where we want to go.
This could be called "panpsychism" if you want to be confusing to the general public, but it's really just defining consciousness in a logical, simple-physics-and-chemistry sort of way, based on how information processing functions in thinking machines (of any type), where mathematical functions (vectors of change) interact in ever more multidimensional (big picture) ways, for more effective problem solving. Or, even more simply, it's like making Venn diagrams for every level of relationship we're aware of having, seeing where the overlap is, and using that space as the solution to helping us all. The higher the level of perspective-taking/modeling/consciousness, the more circles there are.
Awareness with choice is simpler.
Life, the Universe and Everything. 42.
And, Experience.
Without limitations, nothing can be measured. Nothing gained.