Can Science ...

[Chriliman]

I'm taking that (my existence) as a reasonable assumption, as other assumptions are difficult to work with.

With philosophical Hinduism, however, the thought is that only one being, one consciousness exists, and this sense of being an individual, which so many of us appear to have, is an unhelpful illusion which needs to be unlearned for real spiritual progress.
No, I don't agree, for a range of reasons. But it does leave a significant strand in the world with the thought that "I", "I" as individual "I", "I" with personal ego "I", is a concept to be abandoned, an illusion to be dispelled.

It hurt my brain trying to get a trace of inside understanding of that.
(Critique from the outside, that's easy).

In order to determine that one consciousness exists, I must first accept the truth that I exist.

I didn't become self aware with the thought that there's only one consciousness. I became self aware and in doing so accepted the truth that I exist, without even comprehending what truth or existence even is. These concepts had to be learned after I naturally accepted the truth that I exist. I also began making assumptions after this fundamental acceptance of my existence.

 

[Chris B]

In order to determine that one consciousness exists, I must first accept the truth that I exist.

I didn't become self aware with the thought that there's only one consciousness. I became self aware and in doing so accepted the truth that I exist, without even comprehending what truth or existence even is. These concepts had to be learned after I naturally accepted the truth that I exist. I also began making assumptions after this fundamental acceptance of my existence.

Sounds reasonable to me. I don't think you'd arrive at the Hindu perspective relying on your own efforts. It comes out of acceptance of ancient texts and teaching. Which neatly undermine independent thought and observation by insisting that mundane perceptions and sensations are all subject to Maya, illusion.
Which (from the outside perspective) I take to be a neat trick and a dangerous move. If you invoke "illusion" you can't really be sure it stops just where you say it does or wish it to. The best illusion being the one you haven't spotted yet, so it still sits with "truth" and "reality".

 

[GrimKingGrim]

(in it's purest form) prove that who you believe yourself to be as consciousness exists?

Yes. I exist here and not else.

 

[Cearbhall]

Science is not useful for investigating unfalsifiable notions.

This. ^ It's not limitless. I can't know for sure that there isn't an invisible ghost standing next to me.

 

[Chris B]

This. ^ It's not limitless. I can't know for sure that there isn't an invisible ghost standing next to me.

Or, indeed, an Invisible Pink Unicorn.
(Wonderful beings. So useful, alongside their other positive qualities, that did they not exist it might be necessary to invent them. )

Whoever, vaguely in touch with science, claimed science was limitless?
Of people claiming they can know things for sure we have no shortage.
If only they agreed with each other as to what it was.

Chris.

 

[Chris B]

Yes. I exist here and not else.

"Wherever I go, there I am." Spike Milligan.