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Sensing, feeling and consciousness

Antonio Damasio, Hanna Damasio

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Biological Sciences July 15, 2024 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0243 (opens in new tab)

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Characteristics Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed
Key points Argues that homeostatic regulation takes different forms according to physiological complexity: organisms without nervous systems, such as unicellular organisms and plants, use "covert" sensing and responding mechanisms, while organisms with nervous systems rely on "overt consciousness" based on homeostatic feelings and the subjectivity these generate.

Abstract

Living organisms achieve homeostasis by using distinct mechanisms tailored to their physiological complexity. Unicellular organisms as well as plants, which are devoid of nervous systems, rely on covert sensing/detecting and equally covert responding mechanisms. Organisms with nervous systems rely on overt consciousness which is based on homeostatic feelings and the experiences and consequent subjectivity they generate. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Sensing and feeling: an integrative approach to sensory processing and emotional experience’.

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