Here is a definition of this category can be given. Consciousness is represented by philosophers as the highest function, characteristic only of the human brain and associated with speech. It consists in a focused and generalized reflection of reality. There is consciousness in two forms - individual and social. The latter will be discussed in more detail.
Below we will consider what levels and forms of social consciousness are distinguished by such a science as philosophy. But first I want to note that it is an integral part of the socio-historical process and, in fact, as a whole, a function of human society. It is generated by being, however, develops according to its own laws, therefore it can either lag behind being or be ahead of it.
It is customary to distinguish 3 levels of the category in question, namely, ordinary consciousness, social ideology and social psychology.
Ordinary consciousness appears spontaneously in the process of carrying out daily activities. It directly reflects the everyday (external) side of the life of society and does not have such a goal as the search for truth.
Ideology is presented as a set of theoretical views that reflect what is the degree of society’s knowledge of this whole world and its different sides. This level of consciousness is also called rational.
Social psychology is a system of feelings, customs, moods, motives, traditions that are characteristic of society as a whole and for various social groups. This level of consciousness is also called emotional.
It should be noted that the interaction of these three levels of public consciousness is very complex, ambiguous. However, they are all part of the psyche, which encompasses conscious, unconscious and subconscious processes.
Well, now let us consider what, in fact, the forms of social consciousness philosophy distinguishes. As being developed, the human ability to know arose and enriched, they gradually appeared. That is what we have today.
Forms of social consciousness: scientific and philosophical consciousness
Scientific consciousness is presented as a rational and systematic reflection of the picture of our world in a special, scientific language. This form is supported and finds confirmation in the actual and practical verification of their hypotheses, provisions and laws.
Philosophical consciousness is presented as a theoretical worldview, a science of the laws of nature, thinking, society and individuals.
Forms of public consciousness: political consciousness
Political consciousness is presented as a system of feelings, traditions, stable moods, ideas and theoretical systems that reflect the specific interests of large social groups, their relationships between themselves and their attitude to public political institutions.
Forms of public consciousness: moral and legal consciousness
Morality is a system of views, ideas, norms and assessments of the behavior of the whole society, various social groups and individuals.
The right is represented as a system of certain social relations and norms, the observance of which is regulated and monitored by the state and authorities. At the theoretical level, this form is a legal ideology expressing the interests and views of large social groups.
Forms of public consciousness: religious and artistic consciousness
The basis of religious consciousness is the belief of society in the supernatural. This includes various religious teachings with their ideas about the world order, feelings and actions of believers, in particular rituals, traditions, norms of behavior, a system of prohibitions.
Artistic consciousness is presented as the spiritual activity of society in the cultural sphere. It excites, touches the strings of the soul, gives aesthetic pleasure or, conversely, dissatisfaction, encourages reflection. These include works of literature (prose, poetry), architecture, sculpture, painting, etc.
