• @Knock_Knock_Lemmy_In
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    104 hours ago

    Are mirrors really a good test of self awareness?

    Aren’t they just testing the understanding of reflections?

    • macniel
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      fedilink
      82 hours ago

      Self awareness in regards of mirrors is that the subject realises that the object in the mirror is actually themself.

      • @Knock_Knock_Lemmy_In
        link
        21 hour ago

        It’s the counter scenario I’m questioning.

        Does not recognising oneself in a mirror really imply that the subject is NOT self aware?

        If I have difficulty recognising my projected shadow with a 5s delay. Am I still self aware?

        • @[email protected]
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          fedilink
          English
          124 minutes ago

          Does not recognising oneself in a mirror really imply that the subject is NOT self aware?

          No, and I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone argue otherwise. However, we generally assume animals lack self-awareness unless we have a good reason to do otherwise.

        • @essell
          link
          128 minutes ago

          That’s fair. My cat has no reaction to himself in a mirror but we know cats can react in a mirror test.

          Does he lack self awareness or not?