The CEU Department of Cognitive Science cordially invites you to its talk
by:
Prof.
***Trix Cacchione* (University of Bern)
[web <http://www.fhnw.ch/personen/trix-cacchione/publikationen>]
*Title:* *Trans-temporal identity judgment in infants and great apes: Is
object individuation a primordial form of psychological essentialism?*
*Date*: Wednesday, 30 March 2016
*Time:* 17:00-18:30
*Location*: Department of Cognitive Science, CEU, Oktober 6 st. 7, room 101
*Abstract:*
Human reasoning is characterized by psychological essentialism. In
reasoning about objects we distinguish between deep essential properties
that define the objects’ identity and superficial properties that can be
changed without altering the identity of the object. Painting a tiger like
a crocodile, e.g., does not turn it into a crocodile.
Essentialist reasoning has been amply documented in adults and older
children from age four (Gelman, 2003; Keil, 1982). Little is known so far
about the roots of psychological essentialism, both ontogenetically and
phylogenetically. In particular, it is unclear whether psychological
essentialism is based on the acquisition of linguistic means (such as kind
terms) and is therefore uniquely human, or whether it is a more fundamental
cognitive capacity possible without language. In a series of experiments
with human infants and non-human apes we explored whether sortal object
individuation in these subjects already involves essentialist modes of
thinking.
We are looking forward to see you.
Cognitive Science Events at CEU:
http://cognitivescience.ceu.hu/events
--
Barbara Pomiechowska
Cognitive Development Center
Central European University
Budpest, Hungary
Web:
http://www.babakutato.hu/lab-members
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