What does it mean to be human?

What does it mean to be human?
A conscious being knows they are conscious. But they cannot know that any other being is. (Image: Depositphotos)
The Economist
“I think, therefore I am.” René Descartes’ aphorism has become a cliché. But it cuts to the core of perhaps the greatest question posed to science: what is consciousness? Many other phenomena described – time and space, matter and energy, even life itself – look tractable. They can be measured and objectified, and thus theorised about. Consciousness, by contrast, is subjective. As Descartes’ observation suggests, a conscious being knows he is conscious. But he cannot know that any...

More Health

Radius Care upgrades earnings guidance
Markets

Radius Care upgrades earnings guidance

Radius Residential Care has upgraded its earnings outlook ahead of its annual shareholders’ meeting on Thursday.The listed aged-care specialist said it now expects underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) for the six months to October to...

Staff reporters 07 Aug 2025
Tāmaki Health appoints advisers amid investor interest
Health

Tāmaki Health appoints advisers amid investor interest

The company's received numerous approaches from interested parties, CEO says.

John Anthony 25 Jul 2025
Why Promisia's promised land is Cromwell
Retail Small Cap Wrap

Why Promisia's promised land is Cromwell

Plus chicken and eggs with BlackPearl, Rua goes for gold in Reefton, and more.