Figure 1. Extension of self-representation. Here are two depictions of macaque monkeys that exhibit a case of the body making use of tools as an extension of the “self.” If given a task to retrieve an object (yellow hexagonal shape) that is outside the peripersonal space and the immediate reach of an extended limb (left macaque), the body relies on its physical limitations to define the “self” and its aptitude for success of the task. However, when an apparatus is introduced (right macaque) that can help achieve the task's goal, the brain's neural correlates are able to augment themselves to psychophysically merge tools that were formerly considered to be of “other” classification into the “self” body schematic and permit optimal behavioral actions to take place (Hihara et al., 2006; Carlson et al., 2010). The paradigm for “self” is malleable to accept the dynamic interplay necessary to achieve an aim for biological function that was once previously unattainable. As tool-use changes the brain's representations of the body and alters proprioception, we subsequently believe it parallels how enriched brain augmentation can alter an individual's self-awareness and consciousness.
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