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Tracking the evolution of causal cognition in humans
Marlize Lombard1, Peter Gärdenfors2
1Department of Anthropology and Development Studies, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, Auckland Park Campus, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa; Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) Wallenberg Research Centre at Stellenbosch University, Marais Street, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa, mlombard@uj.ac.za.
This study proposes a seven-grade model for human causal cognition evolution, tracing reasoning complexity from early hominins to modern hunter-gatherers. Tracking behavior serves as a key case study for this evolutionary framework.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary psychology
- Cognitive science
- Archaeology
Background:
- Human causal cognition evolved over millions of years.
- Understanding this evolution requires integrating diverse data sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a cohesive, seven-grade model for the evolution of human causal cognition.
- To provide a framework for assessing causal reasoning complexity across hominin evolution.
- To link cognitive evolution to the palaeoanthropological and archaeological records.
Main Methods:
- Development of a seven-grade model for causal cognition evolution.
- Utilizing tracking behavior as a case study for tracing cognitive evolution.
- Tentative linkage of cognitive grades to the Stone Age/Palaeolithic archaeological record.
Main Results:
- A proposed seven-grade model for the evolution of causal cognition.
- Identification of tracking behavior as a significant indicator of cognitive evolution.
- Potential for inter-disciplinary application in evolutionary psychology and cognitive research.
Conclusions:
- The seven-grade model offers a new framework for understanding human cognitive evolution.
- Tracking behavior provides empirical evidence for the proposed evolutionary stages.
- The model facilitates inter-disciplinary research connecting cognitive science and archaeology.
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