|
Constructing mental constructions: The evolution of imagination through episodic-like memory| title | Constructing mental constructions: The evolution of imagination through episodic-like memory |
|---|
| start_date | 2024/11/28 |
|---|
| schedule | 12h15-13h45 |
|---|
| online | yes |
|---|
| location_info | on Zoom |
|---|
| summary | Human imagination is a complex, rich and highly developed cognitive ability, constituting an important part of human experience. Approaching human imagination from an evolutionary perspective raises questions such as: how has this complex ability evolved? What were the circumstances that led to the elaboration of this ability and what precursors needed to be in place? Finally, is imagination uniquely human, or is this ability more widespread across the animal kingdom? While the subjective qualities of imagination are difficult—if not impossible—to probe in non-linguistic animals, behavioural studies offer insights into whether non-human animals exhibit imaginative processes. In this talk, I propose that episodic-like memory is a foundational component of imagination, an evolutionarily necessary yet insufficient step toward its full development. This view relies on the link between episodic memory and imagination in humans, as suggested by proponents of constructive episodic simulation theory (and others). I examine the phylogenetic distribution of episodic-like memory and planning abilities across vertebrates, and conclude with a comparative framework that integrates both behavioural and neurophysiological data. |
|---|
| responsibles | Kourken, Andonovski |
|---|
Workflow history| from state (1) | to state | comment | date |
|---|
| submitted | published | | 2024/11/15 15:03 UTC |
| |
|