re: #352 keloyd

if the question is defining what is a human, tests of consciousness or self awareness are problematic. Lots of animals are more self aware and able to pass tests of consciousness or awareness than very early newborns, whom we agree ought to pass that test. They just make a racket and eat and poop. It’s just the basic lizard parts of the brain doing most of the work those first few weeks, yet we want babies (and me when I’m asleep) to pass the “is it human” test and Irish setters to score “not human.”

well, getting the species right helps/

but brain wave activity helps. Terry Schiavo, God rest her soul, was no longer human IMHO. a baby is an immature human.

and animals are self-aware? did i miss an astounding new headline?