Self-awareness
3 articles-
When Does a Consciousness Test Not Test for Consciousness?
A pigeon looks at its reflection in the mirror. It sees a blue dot on the reflection’s breast. It reaches down and pecks at the dot on its own breast. Nautilus Members enjoy an ad-free experience. Log in or Join now . This is the classic behavior required for passing the “mirror test,” an influential […] -
How Star Trek May Show the Emergence of Human Consciousness
The Borg capture Captain Jean-Luc Picard and turn him into Locutus, all but erasing his previous identity.CBS Nautilus Members enjoy an ad-free experience. Log in or Join now . Captain Picard: “How do we reason with them, let them know that we are not a threat?” Guinan: “You don’t. At least, I’ve never known […] -
A Moment When Animals Started to Seem More Like People
Any self-respecting pet owner will confidently claim that their dog or cat (or rabbit, or gerbil) seems sentient, exhibiting a distinct temperament and emotional responses. I know my many beloved pets over the years could feel pain, and fear, as well as love and trust. But are our pets truly conscious creatures? Or are we […]