"According to Scientific American, what we define biologically as consciousness arises between the 24th and 28th week of gestation. In terms of “physical substrate, the thalamo-cortical complex that provides consciousness with its highly elaborate content” happens at this time, and around two months later, “synchrony of the electroenceph…
"According to Scientific American, what we define biologically as consciousness arises between the 24th and 28th week of gestation. In terms of “physical substrate, the thalamo-cortical complex that provides consciousness with its highly elaborate content” happens at this time, and around two months later, “synchrony of the electroencephalographic (EEG) rhythm across both cortical hemispheres signals the onset of global neuronal integration. Thus, many of the circuit elements necessary for consciousness are in place by the third trimester.”
You've misread the Scientific American article. While the biological components *necessary* for consciousness arise in the thirs trimester, the article states that the low oxygen levels of the fetal environment, along with other neuroinhibitors, prevent consciousness from arising until outside the womb. Necessary does not mean sufficient.
"According to Scientific American, what we define biologically as consciousness arises between the 24th and 28th week of gestation. In terms of “physical substrate, the thalamo-cortical complex that provides consciousness with its highly elaborate content” happens at this time, and around two months later, “synchrony of the electroencephalographic (EEG) rhythm across both cortical hemispheres signals the onset of global neuronal integration. Thus, many of the circuit elements necessary for consciousness are in place by the third trimester.”
You've misread the Scientific American article. While the biological components *necessary* for consciousness arise in the thirs trimester, the article states that the low oxygen levels of the fetal environment, along with other neuroinhibitors, prevent consciousness from arising until outside the womb. Necessary does not mean sufficient.