Chimpanzee minds: suspiciously human?

Bibliographic Collection: 
MOCA Reference, APE
Publication Type: Journal Article
Authors: Povinelli, Daniel J.; Vonk, Jennifer
Year of Publication: 2003
Journal: Trends Cogn Sci
Volume: 7
Issue: 4
Pagination: 157-160
Date Published: 2003 Apr
Publication Language: eng
ISSN: 1879-307X
Abstract:

Chimpanzees undoubtedly form concepts related to the statistical regularities in behavior. But do they also construe such abstractions in terms of mental states - that is, do they possess a 'theory of mind'? Although both anecdotal and experimental data have been marshaled to support this idea, we show that no explanatory power or economy of expression is gained by such an assumption. We suggest that additional experiments will be unhelpful as long as they continue to rely upon determining whether subjects interpret behavioral invariances in terms of mental states. We propose a paradigm shift to overcome this limitation.

Alternate Journal: Trends Cogn. Sci. (Regul. Ed.)
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