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Explaining human cognitive autapomorphies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 May 2008

Thomas Suddendorf
Thomas Suddendorf
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia. t.suddendorf@psy.uq.edu.auhttp://www.psy.uq.edu.au/directory/index.html?id=39
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Abstract

The real reason for the apparent discontinuity between human and nonhuman minds is that all closely related hominids have become extinct. Nonetheless, I agree with Penn et al. that comparative psychology should aim to establish what cognitive traits humans share with other animals and what traits they do not share, because this could make profound contributions to genetics and neuroscience. There is, however, no consensus yet, and Penn et al.'s conclusion that it all comes down to one trait is premature.

Information

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 31 , Issue 2 , April 2008 , pp. 147 - 148
Copyright
Copyright ©Cambridge University Press 2008

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