4 Comments
тна Return to thread

Moral psychologists have run experiments on children and came to the conclusion that they start developing moral intuitions before they can even speak. It's likely part of ontogenetic development.

consciousness starting at age 10 seems a bit bonkers to me. I can remember my first time on an aeroplane, which was age 1 and a half.

Expand full comment

Thanks for your reply.

I have a 5 year old. She is bright, self-centered, social and manipulative.

But conscious? No matter how I try to apply that term to her, I can't make it fit.

Of course, I'm probably going down the rabbit-hole that has frustrated so many researchers. And still, some sort of line is crossed at 10 or 11. Lots of parents see this in their children and other people's children.

Expand full comment

As a former full professor of (inter Alia) developmental psychology, and as a parent, I am not buying this at all

Expand full comment

Perhaps I'm putting too high a bar on "consciousness"?

But something distinct happens at about 10. Is it "setting" of the personality? Or a glimpse of maturity?

I've only seen this cycle twice, so my data is very limited. I'd be interested in any insight you can provide.

Expand full comment