Minds of Animals: Reflections on the Human – non-Human Continuum
A two-day international workshop at the University of Bern including a public panel discussion at the Natural History Museum and a Keynote Address by Frans de Waal explores the theme of comparative cognition with specific emphasis on the nature and evolution of cognition in human and non-human animals. Specific questions which will be addressed during the workshop include:
- To what degree do traits commonly attributed to humans (e.g., co-operation, empathy) have their roots in the social behaviour of primates and other animals?
- For which areas of human cognition can we assume that basic cognitive abilities that are shared with other species are relevant?
- What are the limits of explaining complex human behaviour with basic components such as neurological mechanisms?
- Are apes sufficiently similar to humans such that an anthropomorphic view of their behaviour is justified?
27th September 2016 |
Morning session: The Human - non-Human Continuum | Program |
27th September 2016 |
Afternoon session: Minds of animals |
Program |
27th September 2016 |
Public Panel discussion: Minds of animals |
Program |
28th September 2016 |
Morning session: Primate Cultures |
Program |
28th September 2016 |
Afternoon session: Cultures of Research |
Program |
28th September 2016 |
Public keynote address |
Program |
Organizing Committee
Dr. Jeremy Bailoo, Veterinary Public Health Institute
Dr. Nicole Bender, Institute of Evolutionary Medicine, University of Zurich
Prof. Dr. Trix Cacchione, Institute of Psychology
Mira Shah, Institute of Germanic Languages and Literatures
Prof. Dr. Michael Taborsky, Institute of Ecology and Evolution
Sara Bloch, Collegium generale