Jason asked:

Is defining consciousness possible?

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This is a horrendous and nasty issue. First, what is a "definition"? Usually we take that to mean
something like translating a complex term or idea into a combination of simpler terms or ideas; or
substituting ideas or terms we do understand for ideas or terms we do not. Going on that rough idea
of definition, we then ask what "simpler" or more "understandable" (whatever thosemean) terms or
ideas do we substitute for "consciousness" or for consciousness (think about the quotes). Well. I don't
know of any, offhand. "Awareness"? Um... why is that simpler?

There is an enormousamount written on "what" consciousness is. This can all be taken as attempts
to "define" consciousness... but not in any dictionary sense, more in the sense of explaining it,
elaborating the concept, etc. I'd suggest that if you're seriously interested in this you go here:
http://assc.caltech.edu/, and start looking around. For a few years (yes I'm serious).

Steven Ravett Brown