Mirror neurons and the phenomenology of intersubjectivity

Author: Lohmar, Dieter

Source: Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences, Volume 5, Number 1, March 2006 , pp. 5-16(12)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

The neurological discovery of mirror neurons is of eminent importance for the phenomenological theory of intersubjectivity. G. Rizzolatti and V. Gallese found in experiments with primates that a set of neurons in the premotor cortex represents the visually registered movements of another animal. The activity of these mirror neurons presents exactly the same pattern of activity as appears in the movement of one's own body. These findings may be extended to other cognitive and emotive functions in humans. I show how these neurological findings might be “translated” phenomenologically into our own experienced sensations, feelings and volitions.

Keywords: mirror neurons; intersubjectivity; phantasma

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11097-005-9011-x

Affiliations: 1: Email: dieter.lohmar@uni-koeln.de

Publication date: 2006-03-01