Full Idea
Structures in the brain stem map the state of the body and its relation to the environment, on the basis of signals with proprioceptive, kinesthetic, somatosensory and autonomic components. We may call these the dimensions of the proto-self.
Clarification
These are awareness of body, movement, feeling and inner control
Gist of Idea
The self is founded on bodily awareness centred in the brain stem
Source
G Edelman / G Tononi (Consciousness: matter becomes imagination [2000], Ch.13)
Book Reference
Edelman,G/Tononi,G: 'Consciousness: how matter becomes imagination' [Penguin 2000], p.174
A Reaction
It seems to me that there is no free will, but moral responsibility depends on the existence of a Self, and philosophers had better fight for it (are you listening, Hume?). Fortunately neuroscientists seem to endorse it fairly unanimously.