Two ways one can come to the conclusion that an x exists:

1. x is real [oasis]

2. x is an illusion [mirage]

So is

3. Consciousness real

OR

is

4. Consciousness an illusion

?

This is an interesting state of affairs because if 4 is true, an illusion would have to recognize itself as an illusion? Can something not real become aware that it is not real? A nonexistent thing comes to know of its own nonexistence? How can that be done?

P.S. The Buddha did it. See :point: Anattā. It must be mentioned though that what the Buddha was referring to was a self and is consciousness that, the self?

it seems obvious that it must exist — TiredThinker

Because it is.

Just one note, there are no final proofs in nature. We can't prove almost anything. We constantly revise what we know and we can't do much more than this.

What various definitions of consciousness are there? Are all animals conscious? Trees? Cities? The moon?

What various definitions of consciousness are there? Are all animals conscious? Trees? Cities? The moon? — TiredThinker

There is only evidence that brains experience reality.

Consciousness is not understanding, it's alertness of simulation.

It's not the part that you/most think it is. It is not the pineal gland - the spirit.

Think of 'alertness of simulation' as, metaphorically, a resounding yes in response to a encircling no; or an answer, in response to a query from an external mind.

Consciousness isn't awareness because we must put in effort to become aware. We must open our eyes, per se.

Yes consciousness exists.

If you are hit with enough pressure you become unconscious, the simulation cannot alert you in this state. People have claimed to hear ringing sounds when regaining consciousness(parses with 'resounding yes to a encircling no').

Consciousness is just primeval language, accidental communication. Matter becomes aware of "self" via influence of an "other," identity forming in this way. All things are identified by that which they are not.