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Cognitive ethology, over-attribution of agency and focusing abilities as they relate to the origin of concepts

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 May 2011

Carolyn A. Ristau
Carolyn A. Ristau
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Barnard College of Columbia University, New York, NY 10027. [email protected]
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Abstract

Carey's superb discussion of the origin of concepts is extended into the field of cognitive ethology. I also suggest that agency may be a default mechanism, often leading to over-attribution. The problem therefore becomes one of specifying the conditions in which agency is not attributed. The significance of attentional/focusing abilities on conceptual development is also emphasized.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 34 , Issue 3 , June 2011 , pp. 146 - 147
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

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