Tracing the Basis of Self-Consciousness Back to the Essential
International Journal of Psychiatry Research October 23, 2025 W. Krömer 1 citation
A modified concept of self-consciousness is presented that merges essential features from two contrasting theories. The model proposes that self-consciousness emerges from the brain's comparative representation of sensations originating in the subject's own body versus those from the environment. This comparison is argued to be both essential and sufficient for self-consciousness, unlike alternative proposals. The model also describes a gradual, overlapping progression of sensory and cognitive abilities across evolution and development, rather than distinct, discrete stages of consciousness.