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from the take-your-stinking-paws-off-me,-you-damned-dirty-human dept.
Monkeys are Smarter Than We Thought:
A paradigm-shifting study published today in Nature Neuroscience shows that, just like humans, monkeys are capable of complex deliberation and careful decision-making. The study is first to show that monkeys can think deeply about a problem and consider combinations of factors such as costs, consequences and constraints. In doing so, monkeys find optimal outcomes rather than impulsively reaching for the first available option.
"Humans are not the only animals capable of slow and thoughtful deliberation," said senior author William Stauffer, Ph.D., assistant professor of neurobiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. "Our work shows that monkeys have a rich mental state that renders them capable of intelligent thinking. It's a new paradigm for studying the neurophysiological basis for deliberative thought."
[...] Several decades ago, Nobel Prize laureate Daniel Kahneman, Ph.D., revolutionized the field of behavioral economics with Prospect Theory. In his book, "Thinking Fast and Slow," he postulated that humans employ two distinct systems of thinking — one nearly instantaneous that happens automatically, and the other much slower, conscious, logical reasoning that requires more mental effort.
Kahneman dubbed the first, effortless, type of thinking as 'fast' and the second as 'slow.' Slow, effortful thinking enables us to write music, develop scientific hypothesis and balance our checkbooks.
As it turns out, the slow thinking of humans is not unique.
Journal Reference:
Hong, T., Stauffer, W.R. Computational complexity drives sustained deliberation. Nat Neurosci 26, 850–857 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41593-023-01307-6
(Score: 4, Interesting) by Barenflimski on Monday May 08, @09:31AM (1 child)
When it comes to chasing mice, my cat is much more deliberate and cunning than I am. Sure I can set a trap, but its really not that elegant.
I think for the most part, when humans start judging other species, they get hung up on the fact that animals can't talk like humans. This bias seems to immediately result in, "not as smart as us!".
The reality is much more nuanced. A cat is perfect for its environment and niche. A shark is perfect for its niche. It wasn't until humans got so heady that they lost site of their niche and started overthinking everything. When it comes down to it, all any mammal needs is food, sleep and to reproduce.
I always have to laugh that humans are so smart, they're the only species that is trying to leave earth for the cold darkness of space.
(Score: 4, Insightful) by RS3 on Monday May 08, @11:57PM
Cats are pretty curious creatures. I bet they'd venture into space if they could. I'm sure you know that cats' curiosity is often far more powerful than their sense of safety and self-preservation.
I think we humans are curious and adventurous because of our intelligence, which motivates our desire to know even more.