The Conscious Nematode: Exploring Hallmarks of Minimal Phenomenal Consciousness in Caenorhabditis Elegans.
International journal of psychological research January 1, 2023 Diego Becerra, Andrea Calixto, Patricio Orio 3 citations
Whether simple organisms like nematodes might possess minimal phenomenal consciousness is explored by reviewing current theories of consciousness in light of evidence from Caenorhabditis elegans, a worm with a nervous system of 302 neurons. The authors critically assess models such as global workspace theory, integrated information theory, and unlimited associative learning, and propose empirical approaches using C. elegans to test predictions about consciousness. The review does not reach a definitive conclusion but suggests that C. elegans may be a useful model for investigating the physical mechanisms of phenomenal consciousness.