Tubingen neurobiologist Joel Frolich explores the elusive concept of human consciousness, pondering when the spark of consciousness first ignites. This question presents a challenge due to the subjective nature of consciousness itself, making it a complex topic to study objectively.
Neurobiologist Christoph Koch points out that babies, whether in the womb or newly born, spend much of their time in a state of sleepiness. However, this does not imply a lack of consciousness, as sleep is merely a temporary disconnection from normal sensory perception.
Building on a recent scientific review he co-authored, Frolich discusses the challenge in determining when consciousness emerges in infants. While some studies suggest an increase in neural complexity after birth, conflicting data complicates the issue, as not all brain activity complexity may indicate conscious development.
Skeptics often question newborns’ capacity for consciousness, arguing the absence of a sense of self in infancy. However, Frolich argues that consciousness does not necessarily require a sense of self, as experiences can exist independent of a defined identity.
Proposing the idea that birth acts as a catalyst for the emergence of consciousness to adapt to the new environment, Frolich adds an intriguing perspective to the ongoing debate surrounding the origins of human consciousness.