A Theoretical Framework to Explain the Superior Cognitive Competence in Humans: A Role for the Division of Labour in the Brain
Journal Title: Archives of Neuroscience - Year 2017, Vol 4, Issue 1
Abstract
Parallel mathematical descriptions of behavioral structures across species are not necessarily associated with parallel cognitive outcomes. The present discussion provides an analysis of the mechanisms that might be involved in generating such superficial parallel behaviours and sketches a theoretical framework to outline a possible way of understanding cognitive superiority in humans as a qualitative difference. Piaget’s version of recapitulation theory is the focus of this study, which will be presented in three main sections: first a “thought experiment” will demonstrate that Piaget’s version of recapitulation leads to a logical difficulty in explaining cognitive outcomes based on parallel behaviors across species. Then, examples of different brain areas that might be involved in generating such superficial parallel structures in spatial navigation will be discussed and finally a theoretical framework will be proposed to demonstrate how a redirection from Piaget’s focus on the behaviour as the “motor of evolution” to a consideration of the division of labour in the brain would potentially explain the superior cognitive outcomes in humans based on the abstraction of computational patterns generated by neuronal firing in relevant brain areas.
Authors and Affiliations
Farshad Nemati
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP235687
- DOI 10.5812/archneurosci.36107
- Views 82
- Downloads 0
Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation for Major Depressive Disorder: An Updated Systematic Review
Context Trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) is a promising non-invasive brain stimulation intervention. The TNS has been proposed for major depressive disorder (MDD) with auspiciou...
Run Regular, Age Slower, Be Neuroplastic
Background Aging is interpreted as a physiological process, which appears in the form of progressive waning in organ function. Oxidative stress is considered as one of the central...
Assessment of the Psychosocial Work Environment among Health Care Workers and Its Association with Work and Socioeconomic Status
Background The health care sector constitutes one of the largest sources of employment worldwide. Objective The aim of this study was to describe the psychosocial status of health...
Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Approach for Surgical Treatment of Growth Hormone Secreting Pituitary Adenoma: Endocrinological Outcome in 49 Patients Based on 2010 Consensus Criteria for Remission - Preliminary Results
Background Nowadays, the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach is the initial option for resection of all pituitary adenomas. The current study reported the experience with endoscop...
Better ICU Management by Analysis of Clinical Profile and Outcomes of Neuro-Critical Patients in Neurocritical Care Unit
Background: Nowadays, it has been suggested that the care of neurocritically ill patients in the Neurocritical Care Unit can outcome, hospitalization time and ICU stay. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate th...