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Look, no hands!

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 June 2012

Eric M. Patterson
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057-1229. emp46@georgetown.edumannj2@georgetown.eduwww.monkeymiadolphins.org
Janet Mann
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057-1229. emp46@georgetown.edumannj2@georgetown.eduwww.monkeymiadolphins.org

Abstract

Contrary to Vaesen's argument that humans are unique with respect to nine cognitive capacities essential for tool use, we suggest that although such cognitive processes contribute to variation in tool use, it does not follow that these capacities are necessary for tool use, nor that tool use shaped cognition per se, given the available data in cognitive neuroscience and behavioral biology.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012

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