Theoretical and methodological foundations of the metatheory of consciousness: the sphere of consciousness as a given (based on the research of M.K. Mamardashvili and A.M. Piatigorsky)

Based on the works of M.K. Mamardashvili and A.M. Piatigorsky, the study discusses the problem of defining consciousness and understanding it as “being available”, “existing here and now”. The research substantiates the necessity of a reflexive procedure, which is a condition of the person’s spiritual movement: from everyday life to the awareness (detection) of oneself as a thinking creature and a thought creator. The classical approach to consciousness, which represents its study in the context of the traditional theory of cognition (subject-object relationship), is challenged. The opposition to consciousness is erroneous, since the subject is initially placed in it and cannot go beyond it. In order to be able to talk about consciousness and prevent logical errors, the concepts of the metatheory of consciousness and the sphere of consciousness are introduced. M.K. Mamardashvili and A.M. Piatigorsky use a wide range of methodological techniques to approach the solution of the most pressing philosophical issue and demonstrate its crucial importance for both the individual and society as a whole.