Consciousness is always consciousness of something from "summary" of Ideas for a Pure Phenomenology and Phenomenological Philosophy by Edmund Husserl
Consciousness is fundamentally intentional. It is always directed towards an object, whether that object is something external or internal. In every act of consciousness, there is a correlation between the act itself and the object to which it is directed. This intentional structure is essential to the nature of consciousness. When we speak of consciousness being "of" something, we are referring to the relationship between the act of consciousness and its intended object. This relationship is not accidental or arbitrary; it is constitutive of consciousness itself. Without this intentional structure, consciousness would be a mere abstraction without content or direction. The intentional structure of consciousness is what gives it its unique character. It is through this structure that consciousness is able to grasp, perceive, and engage with the world around it. Every act of consciousness involves a subject that is conscious of an object, and it is this subject-object relationship that defines the nature of consciousness. In Husserl's view, consciousness is not a passive receptacle that simply receives impressions from the external world. Instead, it is an active, dynamic process that actively engages with the world through intentional acts. These acts of consciousness are not isolated events; they are part of a continuous stream of awareness that unfolds over time. The intentional nature of consciousness also implies a certain openness to the world. Because consciousness is always directed towards an object, it is inherently relational and responsive to the objects it encounters. This relational aspect of consciousness allows it to transcend its own limitations and engage with the world in a meaningful way.- The concept that "consciousness is always consciousness of something" highlights the essential intentional structure of consciousness. This structure is what allows consciousness to be directed towards objects, engage with the world, and maintain a dynamic and relational character. Ultimately, it is this intentional structure that defines the nature of consciousness and gives it its unique capacity to grasp and engage with the world around it.
