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Many complex systems maintain a self-referential check and balance. In animals, such reflective monitoring and control processes have been grouped under the rubric of metacognition. In this introductory article to a Theme Issue on metacognition, we review recent and rapidly progressing developments from neuroscience, cognitive psychology, computer science and philosophy of mind. While each of these areas is represented in detail by individual contributions to the volume, we take this opportunity to draw links between disciplines, and highlight areas where further integration is needed. Specifically, we cover the definition, measurement, neurobiology and possible functions of metacognition, and assess the relationship between metacognition and consciousness. We propose a framework in which level of representation, order of behaviour and access consciousness are orthogonal dimensions of the conceptual landscape.

Original publication

DOI

10.1098/rstb.2012.0021

Type

Journal article

Journal

Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci

Publication Date

19/05/2012

Volume

367

Pages

1280 - 1286

Keywords

Animals, Cognition, Computer Systems, Consciousness, Humans, Neurosciences, Philosophy, Psychology