The next two talks in the CDC seminar series will be given by
Giulia Andrighetto, European University Institute, Max Weber Programme, Political and Social Science
Date: Wednesday, March 23, 2011, 5 PM
Location: Cognitive Development Center, Hattyś u. 14, 3rd floor
Revenge, punishment and sanction. A cognitive and simulation model
Abstract: Theoretical, empirical and ethnographic studies have demonstrated that punishment in human societies promotes and sustains cooperation in large groups of unrelated individuals and more generally plays a crucial role in the maintenance of social order (Fehr and Gachter, 2002; Boyd and Richerson, 1992; Boyd, Ostrom, Walker, and Gardner, 1992). Although these studies have provided key insights, they have largely looked at punishment from the classical economic perspective, as a way of changing people's conduct by increasing the cost of undesired behaviour (Becker, 1968).
In this talk, a cognitive model aimed to contribute to the understanding of enforcing strategies will be presented. In particular, three different mechanisms, i.e. revenge, punishment and sanction, will be distinguished on the basis of the specific mental representations - beliefs, goals, and emotions - characterizing them and the relative ways in which these mechanisms aim to influence people's conduct.
Finally, a computer-based simulation model aimed to explore the specific ways in which punishment and sanction promote the achievement and maintenance of cooperation will be presented.
Please note that the next talk will be held at a different time and day than usual!
Jason W. Brown, NYU
Date: MONDAY, March 28, 2011, 11 AM
Location: Cognitive Development Center, Hattyś u. 14, 3rd floor
On Simultaneity and Serial Order
Abstract: This presentation will describe a theory of subjective duration and the transition across moments of experience. The account develops from studies in neuropsychology and their application to process thought in philosophy. The concept of overlapping presents (William James) is explored in some detail to show how both persistence (recurrence) and transience relate to what is recalled and what is perceived.