Primates and representations of self

Journal/Book: Cah Psychol Cognitive. 1999; 18: C N R S-C R N C 31, Chemin Joseph Alguier, 13402 Marseille Cedex 20, France. Adrsc-Assoc Diffusion Recherches Sciences Cognitives. 1005-1029.

Abstract: Some approaches to the study of nonhuman animals' self-representations are outlined. The responses of nonhuman primates to a variety of external representations of self are then reviewed, including reflections in mirrors, televised images, photographs, shadows, and moving computer screen cursors controlled by the primate's hand. Contrasts between species in the ability to infer self from these external representations are presented, which typically means members of the great apes, capable of self-recognition, contrasted with other nonhuman primates which show little or no understanding of the duality of these external visual representations of themselves. An original experiment on self-recognition in monkeys is proposed, based on experience with mirrors and matching-to-sample of photographs of non-overlapping body parts of familiar individuals.

Note: Article Anderson JR, Univ Stirling, Dept Psychol, Stirling FK9 4LA, SCOTLAND

Keyword(s): self-recognition; mirror; television; video; shadow; joystick; photographs; monkeys; great apes; CHIMPANZEES PAN-TROGLODYTES; DOLPHIN TURSIOPS-TRUNCATUS; MIRROR-IMAGE; PREMOTOR CORTEX; SOCIAL-STIMULI; HUMAN INFANTS; CEBUS-APELLA; RECOGNITION; MONKEYS; FASCICULARIS

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