Abstract: What makes us human? This question lies at the core of our self-understanding and shapes how we interact with the natural world. Discussions on human exceptionalism often focus on cognition—we consider ourselves more intelligent than all other animals. However, identifying uniquely human cognition is a complex scientific challenge. For example, most studies compare single populations of humans and chimpanzees to infer species-level differences, relying on a tacit assumption of generalizability. We argue that understanding cognitive differences across species requires accounting for cognitive diversity within species.

Using examples from social cognition—including social memory, altercentric influence, understanding desires, and joint attention—I will present a snapshot of an unfolding research program that integrates comparisons across ages, communities, and species. A comprehensive study of uniquely human cognition must recognize the epistemic significance of cognitive diversity and the methodological demands of studying cognition at scale, in perspectives, and in time.

Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Time: 4 pm (to 5:30 pm) CET

Venue: D002-Tiered* (QS Vienna) and Zoom (meeting ID: 969 2496 5784, passcode: 471712)

Chair: Gergely Csibra

*Anyone not affiliated with CEU wishing to attend in-person in Vienna must RSVP here to get access to the lecture hall.