The archeology of cognitive evolution
1Australian Studies/Anthropology (2008-2009), Harvard University, USA.
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Cognitive Science
|August 15, 2015
Summary
Cognitive archaeology uses theoretical models and evidence from stone tools to understand the evolution of human cognition. This approach suggests modern human behaviors emerged around 100,000 years ago, driven by cognitive changes.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Archaeology
- Evolutionary Psychology
- Paleoanthropology
Background:
- Human cognition's evolutionary emergence is explored, bridging the gap between ape-like ancestors and modern humans.
- Archeological evidence offers unique insights into past behaviors, crucial for understanding cognitive evolution.
- Theoretical frameworks are essential for interpreting the cognitive stages between ancestral apes and modern humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review archeological and genetic evidence for the evolutionary emergence of human cognition.
- To assess cognitive theories, including working memory models and interacting cognitive subsystems, for interpreting hominin evolution.
- To examine stone tool evidence in light of cognitive models to understand the timeline of modern human behavior.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of archeological evidence, particularly stone tools, to infer cognitive abilities.
- Review of genetic data and nonhuman primate studies to characterize the last common ancestor (LCA) of apes and humans.
- Application of cognitive theories, such as Baddeley's working memory model and Barnard's interacting cognitive subsystems, to interpret evolutionary stages.
Main Results:
- Archeological and genetic evidence, combined with primate analysis, provides insights into the LCA's cognitive characteristics.
- Cognitive models help interpret the evolution of hominin cognition between the LCA and modern humans.
- Stone tool evidence aligns with theories suggesting modern human behavior emerged approximately 100,000 years ago, linked to cognitive advancements.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive archaeology integrates theoretical models with empirical evidence to reconstruct human cognitive evolution.
- The study supports a recent emergence of modern human behavior, driven by significant cognitive developments.
- Archeological findings on cognition offer explanations for the timeline and nature of human behavioral evolution.
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