The proto-self is a nonconscious organic system maintaining bodily stability

Evidence

The ”proto-self,” or ”primordial self,” explains Damasio, covers ”the ensemble of brain devices which continuously and nonconsciously maintain the body within the narrow range and relative stability required for survival. These devices continually represent, nonconsciously, the state of the living body, along its many dimensions.” — Catherine Malabou, What Should We Do with Our Brain?, 192

Categorization

• DEFINE: Defines Damasio’s proto-self concept, which the reader may need to distinguish from the normalizing ‘flexibility’ narrative.