The question of whether consciousness can exist without any form of physical existence or external input is a highly debated and philosophical topic, often referred to as the mind-body problem. It touches upon the nature of consciousness itself, the relationship between the mind and the body (or brain), and the concept of dualism.
There are various philosophical positions on this matter:
Physicalism/Materialism: This view posits that consciousness is a result of physical processes in the brain. According to physicalism, a purely non-physical, self-aware consciousness would not be possible because consciousness is an emergent property of certain physical systems, such as the brain.
Dualism: Dualism suggests that consciousness is a separate, non-physical entity that exists independently of the physical body. This view implies the existence of a "mind" or "soul" that can exist separately from the body. However, dualism faces challenges in explaining how a non-physical consciousness interacts with a physical body.
Panpsychism: Panpsychism is the idea that consciousness is a fundamental aspect of reality and is present in all physical entities, from elementary particles to complex organisms. According to panpsychism, consciousness is not solely tied to specific physical structures but is inherent in the fabric of the universe.
Idealism: Idealism asserts that consciousness is primary, and the physical world is a product or manifestation of consciousness. In this view, everything that exists is a mental construct, and the physical reality is an extension of consciousness.
It's important to note that while these philosophical positions offer different perspectives on consciousness, the nature of consciousness remains a subject of ongoing research and inquiry in fields like neuroscience, cognitive science, and philosophy of mind.
there is currently no scientific consensus on whether a purely non-physical, self-aware consciousness can exist independently. The nature of consciousness and its relation to the physical world is a profound and complex mystery that continues to be explored by researchers and thinkers across various disciplines. Until more concrete evidence and understanding emerge, the question remains open to debate and interpretation.