Frontiers in Psychology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 15

Published: Oct. 9, 2024

The question of animal consciousness, also known as the distribution (Niikawa, 2020), is which species share with us humans enigmatic capability for conscious awareness. This a philosophical (Nagel, 1980) that stems from "other minds problem" (Harnad, 2016). implications this may influence ethical considerations and policy-making in human-animal interactions (Yeates, 2022) well challenges diagnosing human consciousness cases like lockedin syndrome (Bayne et al., 2024), questions about machine (Schneider, 2020). Despite its importance long-history research, still highly debated among biologists philosophers. main problem other animals cannot be directly observed, only inferred. Determining whether it possible to scientifically infer nonhuman animals, how, not trivial, strong scientific reasons support an agnostic stance, implying unresolvable through methods (Dawkins, 2017;Gutfreund, 2017;2018;Hampton, 2021;Roige, 2023) . However, objections stance are common (Birch 2022), recent consortium scientists philosophers endorsed "New-York declaration on consciousness" (Andrews 2024) asserts, contrary robust evidence supporting attribution experiences mammals birds. suggests plausible likelihood experience across all vertebrates, including reptiles, amphibians, fishes, many invertebrates, such cephalopod mollusks, decapod crustaceans, insects.In opinion paper, I critically assess claims non-human by reviewing two seminal studies published leading journals (Nieder 2020;Ben-Haim 2021). These propose observed neural activity behavioral responses animals. first, Science, argues sensory crows based reflecting internal decisions. second delineates perceptual awareness rhesus monkeys, exposing akin subliminal versus perceptions humans. exemplify primary means inferring consciousness: (1) identifying structures activities correlates (NCC) (Seth 2005), (2) recognizing behaviors resemble (Zlomuzica & Dere, 2022). review approaches arguments presented both conclude that, while they provide novel, solid general insights cognition, fall short distinguishing cognitive abilities accompanied those not. Consequently, argue remains subject belief, beyond reach validation.A correlate corvid bird. Nieder Science; 2020.Nieder colleagues define "the ability have subjective can explicitly accessed thus reported." They continue convincingly showing neurons nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) predicts crow's choices delayed detection task at near-threshold stimulus, where occasionally fail detect present visual stimulus or mistakenly when absent. then "a difference between neuronal one reported state equal stimuli considered consciousness". Hence, NCL correlated (consciousness) crow. line reasoning has several problems. first do report their experiences, rather make decision respond according sight no sight. commonly called decision. Indeed, tasks used paper been primates study decisions (Costello 2016;Kwon crow hidden (Dennett, 1995;Staddon, 2000;Dawkins, 2017;Hampton, without felt (David 2011) possibility equally consistent data disregarded. Second, argument brain changes systematically subject's had perceived testament problematic because essence choosing way given same input (Gold Shadlen, 2007). Therefore, unclear how authors distinguish (NCC), what, findings, different similar findings did provoke NCC (Horwitz 2004;Kwon third if assumption true, active organisms' should indicative determined integration noisy states (Gordus 2015) choice must represented somehow brain.An intriguing aspect experiment were trained conditionally, depending color cue after delay period (rule-based response). learn rule-based requires flexibility (intelligence) possess (Maes 2015). rulebased behavior dissociates motor response Thus, enables experimenter isolate decision, was done brilliantly target paper. But perception does consciousness. former whereas latter experience/feeling (awareness). results show code representation control stimulus-dependent behaviors. Identifying coding important achievement. extra-step based.In Discussion section, refer distinction made sometimes literature phenomenal (P-consciousness, feeling itself) access (A-consciousness, use experience) (Block, 2002). admit P-consciousness. makes sense term A-consciousness P-consciousness, otherwise adaptively behaving systems said (Naccache, 2018). representations alone serve marker consciousness.The adopt purely approach empirical test non-verbal examine eye movements monkeys engaged cueing paradigm. In simple paradigm, monkey shift gaze circular screen earn reward. appears randomly either right left side screen. Just before target's appearance, square-shaped briefly shown opposite forthcoming target. Notably, duration varies: some trials, lasts just 17 milliseconds, others extends 400 milliseconds. quickly longer cues predict will appear, indicated significantly faster reaction times these trials compared cue. Because always learning highlights dissociate location location. Crucially, flashed, dissociation instead reflexively attention cue's location, resulting located side. distinct salient (long) non-salient (short) suggest presence non-conscious To claim performing being aware (conscious perception) (I see cue, anticipate appear side) even though induces reflexive (subliminal response).Paradoxically, reliance valid discrimination major drawback. Showing responds brings back original we started with: Does feel human? human-based therefore answers question.The developed Ben-Haim contrasts learned innate ones. Innate typically involve directing towards sudden, flashing stimulus. indicate humans, likely override them. For produce counter-responses, sufficiently noticeable (Prasad Mishra, 2019).This aligns established theories enter working memory engage higher processes, can, needed, inhibit reflexes (Diamond, 2013). trigger How tell stimulus? observations.The papers discussed article focus specific experiments (crows macaques), yet human-like notion unique within demonstration (e.g., Barron Klein 2016;Bronfman al. 2016;Butler Cotterill 2006;Feinberg Mallatt A theme merging consciousness-defined private feelings subject-with includes covert mediated perception, planning, decision-making, attention, learning. criticism, illustrated above, fails generalized broad spectrum believe bias favoring hypothesis anthropomorphism-the tendency ours (Varella, While anthropomorphism natural, sensible, guiding welfare, replace rigorous reasoning. maintain arguing limitations above premature science but fundamental, unsolvable problem. We neuroscientists unable transcend our personal beliefs observe and/or mechanisms, relationship cognition elusive.

Language: Английский