Friday, January 28, 2005

What's the difference between subconscious and unconscious? It sounds like the start of a joke, but I'm serious. I've always used "unconscious" to describe actions taken without realization of the significance of the gesture. However, after looking it up, "subconscious" appears to mean just about the same thing.

I know, of course, that when you're hit on the head, you're knocked unconscious, not subconscious. But are there any other differences? Nuances of meaning that I'm not getting?
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4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I don't know that I would think of them as entirely interchangeable.

I think of 'subconscious' as either a noun referring to a part of your psyche 'below' (sub) the surface, or something stemming from that part of your psyche.

I think of 'unconscious' as something of which you are not aware.... this COULD mean, "something that exists below the surface in your psyche" but could also mean "i just didn't know i was doing it".

I'm not sure I'm explaining this well. Here are some examples:


Could use 'subconscious' OR 'unconscious' (but I somehow prefer 'subconscious'):

Zara found herself hesitating to discuss this issue with him. A subconscious distrust of his motives made her cautious.

- or -

An unconscious distrust of his motives made her cautious.


Could use 'unconscious' but not 'subconscious':

Zara walked with an unconscious grace. Her presence commanded attention from even the most casual Observer.

2:57 PM
lost said...

Well, there are three parts: Conscious, Subconscious and Unconcious, right? There is no real difference between Subconscious and Unconscious, but with all three, there are different degrees of awareness or, rather, recognisation.

Subconscious has a lot more to do with the psyche, e.g. transconsciousness [aka mental limbo with a tiny sense of awareness] whereas unconscious has more to do with physical activity.

With the unconscious thing, you may not be aware that you are biting your nails, and it may take a person to point it out to you.

With the subconscious thing, you're behaving in a way that you partly know will get you kicked out of a relationship or house. You say things without any recognisation to the reason why you say it. When you do finally realise, you may discover that this is what you wanted yet *consciously* couldn't do, but did anyway.

That's my theory, anyway. :)

6:08 PM
lost said...

Oops. The previous commentator already said it. And better. :D Sorry about that.

6:09 PM
Stacey said...

These are great examples!!! Thank you, Anonymous and Màili, for the help.

Now that you mention it, I do sort of remember an explanation similar to this in a psych class in college. Definitely clears up the confusion, though I have the feeling I'm going to have to refer your comments often to remember the nuances. I have a terrible time "un-learning" something I've learned incorrectly. Like thinking i.e. and e.g. meant the same thing! : )

8:58 AM

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