ICES Seminar in Experimental Economics and Game Theory
Culture and Causal Reasoning
Friday, February 2, 2024 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM EST
Vernon Smith Hall (formerly Metropolitan Building), 5183
The ICES Seminar in Experimental Economics and Game Theory of the Spring 2024 semester will feature:
Arizona State University
Culture and Causal Reasoning
Abstract
Humans are a different kind of animal. Our species has a bigger ecological range, cooperates on larger scales, and makes greater use of tools than any other vertebrate species. Many scholars argue that these novel features of human biology are the result of enhanced cognitive ability, especially the ability to create causal explanations of natural phenomena. An alternative hypothesis holds that cumulative cultural evolution has a central role, and that causal reasoning plays a secondary role. This paper reviews this debate and presents several examples that support an important role for cumulative cultural evolution.
For more information about the Seminar Series, please visit the Seminar Schedule homepage.
