With all due respect, Hermes, not only Damasio is one of the leading neuroscientists currently living, but the paper has been peer reviewed in one of the best scientific publications.

If you think it is that inaccurate I'd urge you to consider writing a rebuttal, or at least a letter to the editor.

*I* don't make the connection with consciousness (feelings, really, but they are defined as conscious) and animals. Damasio does. I am simply reporting what he and his co-author wrote.