Dear All,
This is a reminder that the next talk in the CEU Cognitive Science seminar series will by
given by:
Emily Wyman (The University of Nottingham)
Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2015, 5 PM
NEW Location: Department of Cognitive Science, CEU, Oktober 6 street 7, 1st floor, room
101.
Title: An Evolutionary Perspective on Human Cooperation: Children and Chimpanzees in
Coordination Problems
Humans cooperate with a striking array of partners on activities that range from moving
furniture to combating global climate change. Typically, our cooperative behavior and
psychology have been investigated using ‘social dilemma models’ that examine how people
cooperate in the face of personal temptations to ‘free ride’ (to reap the benefits of
others’ cooperation without investing substantially). Another model, known as the
‘coordination problem’, examines how cooperative action can emerge when it is in the
strategic interests of all, but requires convergence on one of multiple cooperative
solutions. A series of experiments will be summarized that investigate the behavior of
children and our closest evolutionary relatives, chimpanzees, in coordination problems.
Main results will point to striking similarities, as well as species-divergence, in
evolved coordination capacities. The social-cognitive mechanisms utilized by children to
coordinate will then be explored in more detail with reference to, for example, Theory of
Mind, different types of communication, and social group identity. This is intended to
provide some traction on the problem of how human cooperation has become conventionalized
and institutionalized over evolutionary history.
PLEASE NOTE: Our seminar room has a limited capacity. Please arrive early to ensure you
get a seat. The talk will begin promptly at 5.
Cognitive Science Events at CEU:
http://cognitivescience.ceu.hu/events
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