The ability to identify oneself in a mirror is held as a defining characteristic of sentience, distinguishing humans, dolphins, elephants, and great apes from the naive masses of unreflexive animals. For Lacan it signified a key element in the development of subjectivity. For most it is an unremarkable ability not worthy of mention.
Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have discovered that rhesus monkeys, who don't have a natural tendency to recognise themselves in a mirror, can nevertheless be trained to perceive the monkey behind the glass as "me." This means that a fundamental tenet of selfhood is a latent capacity that can be drawn out of an intelligent being—and cultivated.
What are the consequences for our own vaunted and lauded brilliance? Although there is probably no appreciable difference in brain structure or chemistry, the test monkeys have entered a new vista of experience. Is it possible that there are similar potentials of perspective waiting untapped in the human animal?
A cursory glance at our literature suggests there is a rare experience shared across cultures, in different times and places, permitting one the perception that all external surroundings are a reflection of a singular inner reality. This is anecdotal information, not verifiable except by special training, but if the monkeys can expand their horizons, why can't we?
No comments:
Post a Comment