The evolution of rationality: How chimps process conflicting evidence
5 days ago
- #chimpanzees
- #rationality
- #cognitive science
- Aristotle believed humans are rational because they can form and revise beliefs based on evidence.
- Jan M. Engelmann, an evolutionary anthropologist, questioned if rationality is unique to humans by studying chimpanzees.
- Previous research showed chimpanzees can form beliefs based on evidence, like choosing a box with a rattling sound for food.
- Engelmann's study focused on whether chimpanzees can rationally revise their beliefs when presented with counter-evidence.
- Chimpanzees were tested with weak (e.g., crumbs) and strong (e.g., rattling sounds) evidence to see if they could update their choices.
- Results showed chimpanzees could change their initial choice when presented with stronger contrary evidence.