Minimal selfhood.
Journal of neurogenetics March 1, 2020 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2019.1672680 via PubMed
Summary
Minimal selfhood does not require a brain, nervous system, or neurons, but instead depends on intrinsically reflexive activities such as self-maintenance, self-reproduction, and self-containment. This perspective argues that even organisms without nervous systems can possess a minimal self, with implications for understanding animal behavior and consciousness.
Study at a glance
| Design | theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Minimal selfhood depends on intrinsically reflexive activities like self-maintenance, self-reproduction, and self-containment, not on possession of a brain or nervous system. |
Abstract
This Perspective article outlines a concept of minimal selfhood. A central claim is that minimal selfhood is not dependent on possession of a brain, a nervous system or neurons. It will be argued instead that minimal selfhood requires intrinsically reflexive activity, specifically taking the form of self-maintenance, self-reproduction and self-containment. The implications of this in thinking about animal behavior and consciousness will be briefly discussed.