The trans-species concept of self and the subcortical-cortical midline system.
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.
Northoff
Georg
G
Department of Psychiatry, University of Magdeburg, Leipziger Strasse 44, Magdeburg, Germany. georg.northoff@med.ovgu.de
Panksepp
Jaak
J
D000818:Animals; D001364:Awareness / Q000502:physiology; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000502:physiology*; D003210:Concept Formation / Q000502:physiology*; D003243:Consciousness / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008322:Mammals; D009042:Motivation; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000502:physiology*; D009949:Orientation / Q000502:physiology*; D013045:Species Specificity