Conscienza más allá de la Tierra
La conciencia puede no ser única de los seres humanos según un nuevo artículo de investigación
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, have published a working paper suggesting that consciousness is likely not unique to earthlings. The paper, written by philosopher Eric Schwitzgebel and former UCR graduate student Jeremy Pober, now a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Lisbon, argues that consciousness could arise in life forms built from radically different materials than humans. This idea challenges the long-held assumption that consciousness requires a human or animal brain.
On June 5, 2026, new studies were released suggesting that consciousness cannot be judged solely by behavior, whether it's a chatbot discussing philosophy or a bee searching for nectar. These findings support the idea that consciousness may exist in organisms without brains, such as slime moulds. Natalie Lawrence, author and philosopher of science, argues that the biggest obstacle to understanding what the mind actually is, is the assumption that consciousness requires a human or animal brain. Lawrence suggests that the tools for investigating cognition were built in humanity's own image, leading to an over-attribution of "life" to AI while dismissing complex organisms like slime moulds.
The University of California, Riverside, news website reported on June 10, 2026, that Schwitzgebel and Pober's paper asserts that consciousness is likely possible in life forms made of much different stuff. This idea is supported by recent discoveries in science, including the finding that parrots may actually use names, and that Earth's first animals barely evolved until sex changed everything. The research community is abuzz with the latest discoveries, with ScienceDaily featuring breaking news about the latest discoveries in science, health, and technology.
The concept of consciousness existing in organisms without brains is not new, but recent studies have brought it back into the spotlight. The Brain Might Not Create Consciousness After All, according to recent research, and scientists are seriously asking if bees and chatbots are conscious. While there is no dollar amount attached to this research, the implications are vast and far-reaching, challenging humanity's understanding of the mind and its place in the universe. As research continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the idea that consciousness might not belong to humans alone is an intriguing one that warrants further exploration.
As I reflect on the concept of Conscienza más allá de la Tierra, or consciousness beyond Earth, I firmly believe that our collective awareness must expand to prioritize the well-being of our planet. If we fail to adopt a more cosmic perspective, I argue that the true winners will be the corporate conglomerates and wealthy elites who prioritize profits over sustainability. They will continue to exploit Earth's resources, leaving the majority of humanity to suffer the consequences of environmental degradation and social injustice. It is imperative that we shift our consciousness to one that values the health of our planet and all its inhabitants, rather than just the privileged few.
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