The origin and conservation of self-consciousness - Reflections on four questions by Heinz von Foerster
Purpose - To reflect on the matter of self-consciousness. Design/methodology/approach - The purpose is achieved through the process of answering four questions presented to me by Heinz von Foerster in the course of our many conversations. Findings - It is not possible to understand the nature of self-consciousness without understanding the operation of human beings as living systems that exist as emotional languaging living systems: self-consciousness is a manner of living. Practical implications - We human beings can become more aware of our responsibility in the design of robots that imitate us. Originality/value - Reflects on what makes us humans special, on subjective experience, and on the world we bring forth.
robotics cybernetics cognition philosophical concepts