Cumulative cultural evolution and ‘Ratchet Effect’ in nonhuman animals. An objection to Tomasello

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24310/Contrastescontrastes.v21i1.2307

Keywords:

Cumulative Cultural Evolution, Ratchet Effect, Imitation, Innovation

Abstract

Michael Tomasello believes that although all animals are the result (not finished) of biological evolution, and in many nonhuman animals using tools is latent (one of the main signs of cultural traits), the cumulative cultural evolution and ratchet effect, i.e., progressive (and innovative) accumulation of improvements over history about the artifacts created, occur only in humans. Contrary to this, I believe that some recent studies can be used with the purpose of, also in this regard, reaffirming the animal human continuum and extend the cumulative culture to other animals. 

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Author Biography

  • Oscar David Caicedo, University of Salamanca
    University of Salamanca

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Published

2017-03-27

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ARTICLES

How to Cite

Caicedo, O. D. (2017). Cumulative cultural evolution and ‘Ratchet Effect’ in nonhuman animals. An objection to Tomasello. Contrastes. Revista Internacional De Filosofía, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.24310/Contrastescontrastes.v21i1.2307