In the early 21st century, the standard practice to eliminate consciousness from the scientific debate has been reversed, especially among younger scientists. Defining what consciousness is still remains difficult, like seeing your head with only your eyes. Below are some viewpoints being held by various philosophical/ scientific disciplines:

General Description
Consciousness is the state of being aware of and able to perceive one's surroundings, thoughts, emotions, and existence. It encompasses subjective experiences and the ability to reflect on those experiences. Consciousness is often characterized by self-awareness, intentionality, and the capacity to respond to stimuli.

In philosophy
It is a deeply debated concept involving questions about the nature of the mind, the relationship between mental states and the physical brain, and the nature of subjective experience (often referred to as qualia).

In neuroscience and psychology
Consciousness is typically studied as a function of the brain, involving processes like attention, perception, memory, and decision-making. While its exact nature remains a mystery, it is generally understood as the interplay between biological processes and subjective experience.

In Vedanta
One of many schools of Hindu philosophy, consciousness (Chit) is considered the ultimate reality and the essence of existence. It is not limited to the mind or brain but is the foundational principle that pervades all beings and the universe itself. According to Vedanta, consciousness is eternal, self- luminous, and independent of the physical body or the material world.

Key points of the Vedantic definition of consciousness include:

• Brahman as Pure Consciousness:
  Vedanta holds that Brahman, the ultimate reality, is pure consciousness. It is described as infinite (ananta), unchanging, and beyond duality. All phenomena in the universe arise from and dissolve back into this absolute consciousness.
• Consciousness as the Self (Atman):
  The individual self (Atman) is considered identical to Brahman. This means the essence of every being is pure consciousness. The Atman is beyond the mind, body, and intellect—it is the witnessing presence that is aware of all experiences but remains untouched by them.
• Not Dependent on the Body or Mind:
  Vedanta asserts that consciousness is not a product of the brain or body. Instead, the body, mind, and intellect function because of the presence of consciousness, just as a light bulb shines because of electricity.
• Consciousness and Maya:
  The apparent world of names and forms (maya) is an illusion, according to Vedanta. While the world appears real to the senses, it is ultimately insubstantial and dependent on consciousness for its existence, much like a dream depends on the dreamer.
• Realization of Consciousness:
  Liberation (moksha) in Vedanta is realizing that the individual self (jiva) is none other than pure consciousness, identical to Brahman. This self- realization removes ignorance (avidya) and leads to transcendence of the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

In summary, in Vedanta, consciousness is not just awareness or thought - it is the infinite, non-dual reality that underlies all existence. From this point of reference solid, empirical science can be derived with repeatable results. With this reference point one can answer what existed before the theoretical Big Bang.