As humans, being conscious is one of the most fundamental experiences that defines every one of our waking moments. Without consciousness, humanity would have no way of proving that we (or anything else) actually exist.
But what, exactly, is consciousness? And why do we have it? These questions have stumped the greatest minds ever since philosopher René Descartes first introduced the modern concept of consciousness to the world in the 17th century.
Intrigued? Click on to see what scientists think consciousness is and why it matters that we have it.