You're entitled to argue that you believe that what science has uncovered is the extent to all knowledge, but I take exception to closed-minded arguments simply dismissing possibilities stating in no uncertain terms that consciousness only exists in the brain.
Nobody, certainly not me, claims that science has uncovered the extent of all knowledge. There are many, many unanswered questions. But to deny the things we do know because we don't know many others seems silly.
I can't tell you exactly what was aware, and neither can you unless you've experienced existence as any of these things.
Huh??? Why would you think there *is* an experience of being these things??
We can test and observe reaction, but who is to say that any of these would react as a mammal or other animal does?
I can be sure, from observation, that the reaction is different, in fact. And that *is* the evidence of awareness and consciousness.
But do we have objective evidence as to what makes a mimosa pudica recoil upon touch? Can you disqualify some sort of awareness?
Yes, we do have evidence of what causes the reaction. And no, I would not classify it as awareness. It may be sensitivity, but not awareness.
I honestly couldn't answer this intelligently without having had the experience of being an electron. Does it have intelligence? Certainly not. It doesn't have a brain. But there is no evidence that intelligence is consciousness. I think while related, the two are mutually exclusive.
OK, all I can say is that your definition of the term 'conscious' must be very different than mine, even as working definitions. For me, it is quite clear that electrons are NOT conscious simply because they are too simple in structure to maintain consciousness. That isn't a scientific position, but one of definition. if your definition makes it conceivable that electrons are conscious, then your definition is quite far from mine and we have to dig deeper to have any conversation at all.
For you, what does it mean to be 'aware'? or 'conscious'? Give me some criterion by which I can test a new object and determine if it is or is not aware. If you cannot, then as far as I can see, the concept is simply undefined and there is nothing to say further.