Developmental Roots of Human Self-consciousness
Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience July 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1162/jocn_a_02117 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that consciousness is fundamentally a problem of identity rather than a purely internal phenomenon, proposing that self-awareness arises through becoming 'co-conscious' — seeing oneself through others' evaluative eyes. This developmental process is said to unfold in the first 18 months of life through major steps the author describes as arguably a human trademark. |
Abstract
Abstract Human consciousness is considered in the perspective of early development. Infants and young children remind us that at its core, the problem of consciousness is primarily a problem of identity, in particular a problem of self-identity with others in mind. It is about how we feel and construe ourselves as an entity among other entities. It is about becoming co-conscious: Aware of oneself through the evaluative eyes of others. This development unfolds in the first 18 months of life, following major steps that are described, and arguably considered as a human trademark.