Article Summary: “New Thinking: The Evolution of Human Cognition” by Cecilia Heyes

Citation: Heyes, C. (2012). New thinking: the evolution of human cognition. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 367(1599), 2091–2096.​

Overview:

Cecilia Heyes challenges traditional views of human cognition’s evolution, emphasizing the gradual and culturally driven development of our cognitive abilities. She argues that rather than being solely products of genetic evolution, many cognitive processes are acquired through cultural interactions and social learning.​

Key Points:

  • Cultural Evolution: Human cognition has been significantly shaped by cultural practices. The transmission of knowledge, skills, and behaviors across generations has played a pivotal role in cognitive development.​
  • Social Learning: The ability to learn from others, known as social learning, is a cornerstone of human cognition. This capacity allows individuals to acquire complex behaviors and knowledge without direct experience.​
  • Gene-Culture Coevolution: Heyes discusses how genetic and cultural evolutions are intertwined. Cultural practices can influence genetic selection, and genetic predispositions can shape cultural developments.​
  • Domain-General Processes: Rather than having specialized modules for specific tasks, humans possess flexible cognitive processes that can be applied across various domains. This adaptability is a hallmark of human intelligence.​

Connections to Moral Development:

Heyes’ emphasis on social learning and cultural transmission aligns with Lawrence Kohlberg’s third stage of moral development, the “Good Interpersonal Relationships” stage. In this stage, individuals value trust, caring, and loyalty to others as a basis for moral judgments. The development of cognitive abilities through social interactions, as proposed by Heyes, supports the idea that moral reasoning is deeply embedded in our relationships and cultural contexts.​

Furthermore, Carol Gilligan’s ethics of care, which highlights the importance of interpersonal relationships and the context of care in moral reasoning, resonates with Heyes’ perspective. Gilligan argues that moral development is not just about justice and rights but also about care and responsibility in relationships. Heyes’ focus on the role of culture and social learning in shaping cognition provides a foundation for understanding how care-based moral reasoning can develop through our interactions within a community.​

Implications:

Heyes’ work underscores the importance of considering both biological and cultural factors in understanding human cognition. It challenges the idea of fixed cognitive modules and highlights the dynamic interplay between our genetic makeup and cultural environment. By recognizing the role of social interactions and cultural practices in cognitive development, we can better appreciate the diversity and adaptability of human moral reasoning.​