The Self, the brain, and phantom limbs

[Dr. S. Kak]

Several correspondents have sought further information regarding
the concept of self that has been discussed in my report

"Reflections in clouded mirrors: selfhood in animals and machines"
Technical Report 92-12 ECE-LSU, December 1, 1992.

The following paper

Ronald Melzack, "Phantom limbs, the self and the brain", Canadian
Psychology, 1989, 30, 1

describes the "reality" of phantom limbs. What is fascinating is
that children born with birth defects have a phantom which may not
have such defects. Clearly the notion of self pervades all life,
otherwise snakes would lunch on their tails!

-Subhash Kak             [Replies in English and Sanskrit]