Social Consciousness

(From L. conscientia;, from com-, with, and scire, to know). The psychosocial sphere of life and the historical process, which includes moral, religious, juridical, economic, political and aesthetic ideas, as well as art, the sciences, social intentions, customs, traditions, etc. S.C. goes hand in hand with the processes of interpersonal communication that arise in the development of reciprocal interactions and influences among human beings. In this vast structure two things stand out: the generational level (*generations) and the action of both large and small social groups. S.C. has a complex relationship with culture, taking on tribal, regional, national and international characteristics. Its expression is manifested through vertical as well as horizontal structures. The forms of s.c. include morality, religion, art, science, philosophy, as well as juridical and political consciousness. One form of expression of s.c. is social or public opinion. The humanist attitude (*) is a historical form of s.c. that develops at various periods in different cultures, and manifests clearly in the corresponding humanist moment (*) of each culture.