The Cognitive Revolution

• What is the 'gossip theory'?


  The 'gossip theory' suggests that human language evolved to facilitate social communication, specifically the sharing of information about others in a group. This type of communication allowed early humans to gain insight into group dynamics, establish social hierarchies and form alliances.
• What is the 'there-is-a-lion-near-the-river theory'?


  The 'there-is-a-lion-near-the-river theory' proposes that language evolved to warn others about potential dangers in the environment. This type of communication allowed early humans to survive and thrive by sharing critical information about the location and behaviour of predators.
• How did the ability to speak about stories and beliefs enable Homo sapiens to cooperate flexibly in large numbers?


  The ability to speak about stories and beliefs allowed Homo sapiens to imagine things collectively and weave common myths. These shared myths became the foundation for large-scale human cooperation by providing a shared belief system, enabling individuals to cooperate flexibly in large numbers.
• What is the common thread that underlies all large-scale human cooperation?


  The common thread that underlies all large-scale human cooperation is the ability to create and believe in shared myths. These shared myths provide a common identity, shared beliefs, and a sense of purpose that allows individuals to work together towards common goals.
• How do common myths that exist only in peoples' collective imagination play a role in this cooperation?


  By creating shared myths, humans are able to transcend individual differences and form larger, more complex societies that can achieve extraordinary feats.