How did matter evolve to form a conscience?

Question

who permitted?...

and semantics has nothing to do with a conscience.

Answer 1

Life mutated and permitted language to form semantics.

Answer 2

Life in itself is a kind of conscious. From organisms to intelligent  animals is our awareness not the manifestation of this dynamic condition? I guess you could ask where does the split happen?

Answer 3

Explaining the evolution of matter to conscience would take volumes, and it would require a lifelong study of the subject.  Even then, I don't think an exact answer would be found.  A better question would be, "What is the evolutionary benefit of developing a conscience, or is it a hindrance"?  Conscience, as in a "guilty" conscience, is unique to humans.  Why?  If your question is geared toward trying to prove some "creationist" point, none of what I said will make sense to you.  If not, I'm sorry for not really answering your question.