See consciousness in Webster's New World College Dictionary
noun
the state of being conscious; awareness of one's own feelings, what is happening around one, etc.
the totality of one's thoughts, feelings, and impressions; conscious mind
See consciousness in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(kŏnˈshəs-nĭs)
noun
The state or condition of being conscious.
A sense of one's personal or collective identity, including the attitudes, beliefs, and sensitivities held by or considered characteristic of an individual or group: Love of freedom runs deep in the national consciousness.
a. Special awareness or sensitivity: class consciousness; race consciousness.
b. Alertness to or concern for a particular issue or situation: a movement aimed at raising the general public's consciousness of social injustice.