selfrecognition

Selfrecognition is the ability to identify oneself as a distinct individual, separate from others and from the surrounding environment, and to reference one’s own body, actions, and experiences. It is related to, but not identical with, self-awareness, which more broadly encompasses reflective thought about one’s mind and mental states.

In humans, selfrecognition is commonly studied with the mirror test. A mark is placed on the body in a location visible only in a mirror; if the subject uses the mirror to inspect the mark, this is taken as evidence that the reflected image is recognized as self. Most children pass this milestone around 18 to 24 months, though earlier forms of self-processing can occur in other tasks, and cultural factors may influence the timing.

Among nonhuman animals, spontaneous selfrecognition has been demonstrated in some great apes, dolphins, elephants, and certain bird species such as magpies. Many species do not pass the standard mirror test, prompting debates about its sensitivity and whether it captures all dimensions of self-awareness. Researchers often use complementary behavioral measures to assess self-directed actions and contingent self-recognition.

Neural and theoretical perspectives link selfrecognition to brain networks involved in self-referential processing, including regions of the medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate/precuneus, and the default mode network. Clinically, variations in self-processing appear in autism spectrum conditions and certain neurological disorders. Philosophical discussions argue about what constitutes true self-awareness beyond observable behavior in a controlled task.

Selfrecognition remains a multidisciplinary topic spanning psychology, neuroscience, comparative cognition, and philosophy, contributing to our understanding of how beings distinguish themselves from others and from their environment.