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Description
Any understanding of consciousness should also be consistent with the four basic
properties that arise from studying its phenomenology: intentionality, unity, selectivity, and
transience (Schacter et al, 2019). Consciousness is directed toward an object; it is about
something (ie, intentionality). We experience consciousness as unified, as one experience,
rather than as separate experiences of sights, sounds, smells, thoughts, feelings, and so on
(ie, unity). We have the capacity to be conscious of some things and not others
(ie, selectivity). Objects of consciousness are there transiently; the contents of consciousness
tend to change (ie, transience).

Description
Any understanding of consciousness should also be consistent with the four basic
properties that arise from studying its phenomenology: intentionality, unity, selectivity, and
transience (Schacter et al, 2019). Consciousness is directed toward an object; it is about
something (ie, intentionality). We experience consciousness as unified, as one experience,
rather than as separate experiences of sights, sounds, smells, thoughts, feelings, and so on
(ie, unity). We have the capacity to be conscious of some things and not others
(ie, selectivity). Objects of consciousness are there transiently; the contents of consciousness
tend to change (ie, transience).