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Deciphering mirror neurons: Rational decision versus associative learning

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 April 2014

Elias L. Khalil
Elias L. Khalil*
Affiliation:
Department of Economics, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia. elias.khalil@monash.edu http://eliaskhalil.com
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Abstract

The rational-decision approach is superior to the associative-learning approach of Cook et al. at explaining why mirror neurons fire or do not fire – even when the stimulus is the same. The rational-decision approach is superior because it starts with the analysis of the intention of the organism, that is, with the identification of the specific objective or goal that the organism is trying to maximize.

Information

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 37 , Issue 2 , April 2014 , pp. 206 - 207
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2014 

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References

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