Consciousness Before Language: The Emergence of Symbolic Thought and Cognition

Our understanding of consciousness and cognition has evolved significantly over time. The question often posed is whether humans were conscious before the development of language and symbolic thought. This article explores the relationship between consciousness and language, drawing insights from renowned neuroscientist Gerald M. Edelman’s book “Wider Than the Sky: The Phenomenal Gift of Consciousness.”

Consciousness and Language: An Evolving Relationship

Many researchers have debated whether language is a prerequisite for consciousness. However, Edelman argues that language did not invent itself but rather developed naturally and spontaneously. This development could not have happened without the presence of consciousness. The direction of causality, as Edelman suggests, is quite the opposite: consciousness is required for cognition, which in turn is required for language.

Primary and Higher-Order Consciousness

To understand the evolution of consciousness, it is crucial to distinguish between primary consciousness and higher-order consciousness.

Primary consciousness is the state of being mentally aware of things in the present world and having mental images. Many animals exhibit this form of consciousness, which is lacking semantic or linguistic capabilities. In contrast, higher-order consciousness involves the ability to be conscious of being conscious, recreate past episodes, and form future intentions. It also includes abstract reasoning—a cognitive mechanism capable of reaching logical conclusions in the absence of physical data or specific instances.

Abstract Reasoning: The Missing Link

Abstract reasoning distinguishes humans from other animals. Unlike other species, humans can think of things that do not exist. This ability, coupled with the capacity for higher-order consciousness, empowers us to live in both the past and the future. A raccoon, for example, might be aware of the moon, planets, and stars, but the significance of the moon in a human context far outweighs its perceived importance to a raccoon.

The Role of Language in Cognition

Language plays a multifaceted role in cognition, serving as a means of communication. However, it is not the sole means. Humans have developed a wide range of languages, including linguistic sounds, mathematical operations, writing, sign language, computer programming languages, and spoken languages. Helen Keller, for instance, demonstrated the power of sign language to communicate complex ideas despite her physical challenges.

While many animals possess some form of communication using sound, signs, and touch, the complexity and scope of human language put us in a league of our own. A recent study in 2010 estimated that the English language contains approximately 1,022,000 words, with the number growing by several thousand annually. In contrast, a horse might use about 120 unique sounds to communicate, which is far less than the diversity and richness of human linguistic expression.

Limitations and Potential of Language

Though humans can certainly think without language, certain types of thinking are enabled by linguistic abilities. Language allows us to transfer thoughts from one mind to another, making it a social phenomenon. However, language has its limitations. Humans cannot express everything they think, and this fact underscores the unique role of consciousness in driving cognitive processes.

The emergence of symbolic thought and language has dramatically transformed human cognition, allowing for abstract reasoning and complex problem-solving. As we continue to explore the interplay between consciousness and language, we gains deeper insights into the intricate mechanisms that shape our minds and societies.