300367 VO Evolution of Cognition (2009S)

The lecture deals with the evolution of human cognition, focusing on its systemic biological framework. We discuss different hypotheses that aim to explain the evolution of our cognitive capacities, covering for instance the influence of social complexity, the development of tools and modes of sustainment as well as physiological models. Besides, main issues are the manipulative qualities of our thinking and current models of evolutionary psychology like the Swiss Army Knife theory. Lecture notes are available at the secretary.