Minimal selfhood.
R D V Glasgow
Journal of neurogenetics March 1, 2020 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2019.1672680 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Minimal self Consciousness Intrinsic reflexivity Organism |
| Key points | Proposes that minimal selfhood depends on intrinsically reflexive activity 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.