COGNITIVE INTEGRITY AND THE MEANING OF THE PHENOMENON: AN ANALYTICAL EXAMINATION OF THE SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS-PHENOME CYCLE

Summary

This article argues that "complete knowledge," in both the creation and cognition processes of phenomena, is only possible through the Self's knowledge of itself. This approach argues that consciousness must rise to a holistic level of awareness to grasp the essential meaning of phenomena, not merely their external appearance. At the level of fragmented consciousness, knowledge of phenomena remains incomplete, meaning is not realized, and action is based on incomplete knowledge. In holistic consciousness, however, because phenomena are known through the knowledge of the Self, both action and cognition attain pure unity. The study conceptualizes this process within the cycle of "Essence → Phenomenon → Knowing → Essence."

Headings

1. Introduction

2. Conceptual Framework

3. The Formation and Knowing of the Phenomenon with Full Information

4. Fragmented Consciousness and the Loss of Meaning

5. ⁠Holistic Consciousness and Wisdom

6. ⁠ ⁠Conclusion

---

1.⁠ ⁠Introduction

Human consciousness comprehends the world through phenomena. However, a consciousness focused solely on the visible face of phenomena receives information fragmentarily and incompletely. This reduces both the process of knowing and action to a formal level. However, the meaning of a phenomenon emerges when its connection to the Self is revealed. The disclosure of this connection depends on consciousness's elevation to the level of awareness, that is, to the level of wisdom. This study aims to explain this relationship between phenomenon, consciousness, and essence.

⸻

2.⁠ ⁠Conceptual Framework

2.1. Abstract

Essence is the fundamental principle of existence/knowledge that creates and gives meaning to phenomena. Similar to Aristotle's concept of ousia (essence), it is the primary reality behind phenomena (Aristotle, Metaphysics). However, here, Essence is not only the reason for existence but also the source of the faculty of knowledge.

2.2. Phenomenon

Kant's conceptualization of the phenomenon is defined as the appearance of the object in consciousness (Kant, Critique of Pure Reason). In this article, however, the phenomenon is considered not merely an appearance but the possibility of knowing the Essence itself.

2.3. Consciousness and Awareness

Consciousness is the faculty of noticing phenomena, but awareness is the recognition of the essential meaning of the phenomenon. This distinction determines not only whether the phenomenon is perceived but also whether it is essentially known.

⸻

3.⁠ ⁠The Formation and Knowing of the Phenomenon with Full Information

3.1. Complete Information in the Creation of Phenomenon

The essence does not act with incomplete knowledge when creating a phenomenon, for the creative principle is directly full knowledge. Therefore, the phenomenon is already, in its initial stage, a manifestation of full knowledge.

3.2. Complete Information in Knowing the Phenomenon

To know phenomena with complete knowledge, consciousness must be connected to the Self. If consciousness is focused solely on the external appearance of phenomena, knowledge remains superficial and fragmentary.

⸻

4.⁠ ⁠Fragmented Consciousness and the Loss of Meaning

When consciousness turns its attention to phenomena, that is, external appearances, knowledge remains at the level of phenomena. In this case:

• Information is incomplete.

• Action is maladaptive because it arises from incomplete information.

• Awareness does not occur.

• The person sees himself and the world superficially.

This situation is expressed in Sufism as “staying in the apparent” (Ibn Arabi, Futuhat).

⸻

5.⁠ ⁠Holistic Consciousness and Wisdom

Wisdom is the recognition of the essential structure behind phenomena. At this level:

• Knowing occurs through the knowledge of the Essence.

• Action is fully harmonious and balanced because it arises from the Essence.

• The phenomenon is no longer an external appearance, but a mirror of the Essence.

• Consciousness expands and recognizes its own source.

This is in line with Hegel's processes of self-knowledge of Geist (Hegel, Phenomenology of Spirit).

⸻

6.⁠ ⁠Conclusion

Knowing phenomena with complete knowledge is possible through consciousness's direct relationship with the Self. While fragmented consciousness leaves phenomena at the level of appearance, holistic consciousness interprets them and expands knowledge of the Self. Thus, unity is achieved in knowing and acting. Wisdom is precisely this state of unity.

⸻

Source

• Aristotle. Metaphysics. (Various Editions)

• Hegel, GWF Phenomenology of Spirit. (Various Editions)

• Kant, Immanuel. Critique of Pure Reason. (Various Editions)

• Ibn Arabi. Al-Futuhat al-Makkiyya and Fusus al-Hikam. (Various Editions)

⸻

Author's Note

Turut, Mahmut. “Notes on the Self–Consciousness–Phenomena Cycle.” Edirne, 5 November 2025.