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The birth of consciousness
1Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital Q2:07, Karolinska Institute, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden. hugo.lagercrantz@ki.se
Early Human Development
|September 19, 2009
Summary
Newborn infants exhibit consciousness, showing self-awareness, emotional expression, and sensory processing. Their brain activity suggests a rudimentary "stream of consciousness" similar to adults.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Consciousness in newborns is debated, with limited understanding of their subjective experiences.
- Infants demonstrate complex behaviors suggesting awareness and cognitive processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore criteria for consciousness in newborn infants.
- To investigate the cognitive and emotional capabilities of newborns.
Main Methods:
- Observational studies of infant behavior.
- Analysis of cortical activity in newborns.
- Review of existing literature on infant consciousness.
Main Results:
- Newborns differentiate self from non-self touch and express emotions.
- Sensory input, including pain, is processed at the cortical level.
- Infants demonstrate memory for prenatal auditory stimuli.
- Spontaneous cortical activity in newborns may align with the concept of a 'stream of consciousness'.
Conclusions:
- Newborn infants meet several criteria for consciousness.
- Their cognitive and emotional expressions indicate a developing awareness.
- Further research into neonatal consciousness is warranted.
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