Minimal selfhood.

Minimal selfhood does not require a brain, nervous system, or neurons; it depends on intrinsically reflexive activity such as self-maintenance, self-reproduction, and self-containment. The article argues that these processes form the basis of minimal selfhood and briefly discusses implications for understanding animal behavior and consciousness.

Study at a glance

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.