The emergence of the mind—a borderline of human viability?

Lagercrantz, Hugo

doi:10.1111/j.1651-2227.2007.00232.x

Cited by 22 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…At termequivalent age functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies show nascent synchroneous hemodynamic paralimbic activity independent on external stimuli in these regions [Fransson et al, 2007], and the connections are anatomically available at around the 24th week of gestation [Lee et al, 2005]. Our discovery that interacting paralimbic regions provide a neural basis of coherence in consciousness therefore may become useful in defining the time of transition for the fetus into a viable, self-aware individual [Lagercrantz, 2007].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 92%

Coherence in consciousness: Paralimbic gamma synchrony of self‐reference links conscious experiences

Lou¹,

Groß²,

Biermann-Ruben³

et al. 2009

Human Brain Mapping

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A coherent and meaningful percept of the world is essential for human nature. Consequently, much speculation has focused on how this is achieved in the brain. It is thought that all conscious experiences have reference to the self. Self-reference may either be minimal or extended, i.e., autonoetic. In minimal self-reference subjective experiences are self-aware in the weak sense that there is something it feels like for the subject to experience something. In autonoetic consciousness, consciousness emerges, by definition, by retrieval of memories of personally experienced events (episodic memory). It has been shown with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) that a medial paralimbic circuitry is critical for self-reference. This circuitry includes anterior cingulate/medial prefrontal and posterior cingulate/medial parietal cortices, connected directly and via thalamus. We here hypothesized that interaction in the circuitry may bind conscious experiences with widely different degrees of self-reference through synchrony of high frequency oscillations as a common neural event. This hypothesis was confirmed with magneto-encephalography (MEG). The observed coupling between the neural events in conscious experience may explain the sense of unity of consciousness and the severe symptoms associated with paralimbic dysfunction.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 92%

Coherence in consciousness: Paralimbic gamma synchrony of self‐reference links conscious experiences

Lou¹,

Groß²,

Biermann-Ruben³

et al. 2009

Human Brain Mapping

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“…The postnatal maturation of the brain may be delayed (71) and there are indications that the connectivity with the GNW will be suboptimal in some cases (72) as indicated by deficient executive functions (73). Therefore, the timing of the emergence of minimal consciousness has been proposed as an ethical limit of human viability and it might be possible to withhold or withdraw intensive care if these infants are severely brain damaged (74,75).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Emergence of Human Consciousness: From Fetal to Neonatal Life

2009

Self Cite

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A simple definition of consciousness is sensory awareness of the body, the self, and the world. The fetus may be aware of the body, for example by perceiving pain. It reacts to touch, smell, and sound, and shows facial expressions responding to external stimuli. However, these reactions are probably preprogrammed and have a subcortical nonconscious origin. Furthermore, the fetus is almost continuously asleep and unconscious partially due to endogenous sedation. Conversely, the newborn infant can be awake, exhibit sensory awareness, and process memorized mental representations. It is also able to differentiate between self and nonself touch, express emotions, and show signs of shared feelings. Yet, it is unreflective, present oriented, and makes little reference to concept of him/herself. Newborn infants display features characteristic of what may be referred to as basic consciousness and they still have to undergo considerable maturation to reach the level of adult consciousness. The preterm infant, ex utero, may open its eyes and establish minimal eye contact with its mother. It also shows avoidance reactions to harmful stimuli. However, the thalamocortical connections are not yet fully established, which is why it can only reach a minimal level of consciousness. (Pediatr Res 65: 255-260, 2009)

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“…The immaturity of its brain networks is such that they may not even reach the level of minimal consciousness. The postnatal maturation of the brain may be delayed and there are indications that the connectivity within the brain will be suboptimal in some cases as indicated by deficient executive functions (Lagercrantz, 2007[142]). Therefore, the timing of the emergence of minimal consciousness has been proposed as an ethical limit of human viability, and it may be possible to withhold or withdraw intensive care if these infants are severely brain damaged (Gazzaniga, 2006[100]).…”

Section: Miscellaneous Facets and Approaches To The Study Of Conscmentioning

confidence: 99%

Towards an integrative theory of consciousness: Part 2 (An anthology of various other models)

Sousa¹

2013

Mens Sana Monogr

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The study of consciousness has today moved beyond neurobiology and cognitive models. In the past few years, there has been a surge of research into various newer areas. The present article looks at the non-neurobiological and non-cognitive theories regarding this complex phenomenon, especially ones that self-psychology, self-theory, artificial intelligence, quantum physics, visual cognitive science and philosophy have to offer. Self-psychology has proposed the need to understand the self and its development, and the ramifications of the self for morality and empathy, which will help us understand consciousness better. There have been inroads made from the fields of computer science, machine technology and artificial intelligence, including robotics, into understanding the consciousness of these machines and their implications for human consciousness. These areas are explored. Visual cortex and emotional theories along with their implications are discussed. The phylogeny and evolution of the phenomenon of consciousness is also highlighted, with theories on the emergence of consciousness in fetal and neonatal life. Quantum physics and its insights into the mind, along with the implications of consciousness and physics and their interface are debated. The role of neurophilosophy to understand human consciousness, the functions of such a concept, embodiment, the dark side of consciousness, future research needs and limitations of a scientific theory of consciousness complete the review. The importance and salient features of each theory are discussed along with certain pitfalls, if present. A need for the integration of various theories to understand consciousness from a holistic perspective is stressed.

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The emergence of the mind—a borderline of human viability?

Cited by 22 publications

References 7 publications

Coherence in consciousness: Paralimbic gamma synchrony of self‐reference links conscious experiences

Coherence in consciousness: Paralimbic gamma synchrony of self‐reference links conscious experiences

The Emergence of Human Consciousness: From Fetal to Neonatal Life

Towards an integrative theory of consciousness: Part 2 (An anthology of various other models)

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