The evolution of analytic thought?. (2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pennycook, Gordon; Rand, David G.
• Is Part Of: Behavioral and brain sciences. Volume 40(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017
• Subjects: Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Human behavior -- Periodicals; Animal behavior -- Periodicals; Brain -- Periodicals; 616.89142
• DOI: 10.1017/S0140525X16001746
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-525X

Abstract

Abstract: We argue that the truly unique aspect of human intelligence is not the variety of cognitive skills that are ontogenetically constructed, but rather the capacity to decide when to develop and apply said skills. Even if there is good evidence for g in nonhuman animals, we are left with major questions about how the disposition to think analytically can evolve.