Abstract
The nature of the self has been one of the central problems in philosophy and most recently in neuroscience. Here, we suggest that animals and humans share a 'core self' represented in homologous underlying neural networks. We argue that the core self might be constituted by an integrative neuronal mechanism that enables self-related processing (SRP). Because mammalian organisms are capable of relating bodily states, intrinsic brain states (e.g. basic attentional, emotional and motivational systems) and environmental stimuli to various life-supporting goal-orientations, SRP appears to be a core ability preserved across numerous species. Recent data suggest that SRP is operating via a central integrative neural system made up of subcortical-cortical midline structures (SCMSs), that are homologous across mammalian species.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 259-264 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Trends in Cognitive Sciences |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue number | 7 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jul 2008 |
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ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Cite this
The trans-species concept of self and the subcortical-cortical midline system. / Northoff, Georg; Panksepp, Jaak.
In: Trends in Cognitive Sciences, Vol. 12, No. 7, 07.2008, p. 259-264.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
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TY - JOUR
T1 - The trans-species concept of self and the subcortical-cortical midline system
AU - Northoff, Georg
AU - Panksepp, Jaak
PY - 2008/7
Y1 - 2008/7
N2 - The nature of the self has been one of the central problems in philosophy and most recently in neuroscience. Here, we suggest that animals and humans share a 'core self' represented in homologous underlying neural networks. We argue that the core self might be constituted by an integrative neuronal mechanism that enables self-related processing (SRP). Because mammalian organisms are capable of relating bodily states, intrinsic brain states (e.g. basic attentional, emotional and motivational systems) and environmental stimuli to various life-supporting goal-orientations, SRP appears to be a core ability preserved across numerous species. Recent data suggest that SRP is operating via a central integrative neural system made up of subcortical-cortical midline structures (SCMSs), that are homologous across mammalian species.
AB - The nature of the self has been one of the central problems in philosophy and most recently in neuroscience. Here, we suggest that animals and humans share a 'core self' represented in homologous underlying neural networks. We argue that the core self might be constituted by an integrative neuronal mechanism that enables self-related processing (SRP). Because mammalian organisms are capable of relating bodily states, intrinsic brain states (e.g. basic attentional, emotional and motivational systems) and environmental stimuli to various life-supporting goal-orientations, SRP appears to be a core ability preserved across numerous species. Recent data suggest that SRP is operating via a central integrative neural system made up of subcortical-cortical midline structures (SCMSs), that are homologous across mammalian species.
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UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=45849127943&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.tics.2008.04.007
DO - 10.1016/j.tics.2008.04.007
M3 - Article
C2 - 18555737
AN - SCOPUS:45849127943
VL - 12
SP - 259
EP - 264
JO - Trends in Cognitive Sciences
JF - Trends in Cognitive Sciences
SN - 1364-6613
IS - 7
ER -