Executive Solution Overview
[>Philosophy homework help](https://www.sweetstudy.com/fields/social-science-philosophy) Ape Genius John Locke's _tabula rasa_ (blank slate) view of the mind–which rejects the Rationalist belief in _innate ideas–_ has recently been challenged by new scientific research pertaining to the remarkable…
Instant Solution Download
$6.99Immediate access to the full model answer, formatted citations, and rubric breakdown.
Need a Fresh Custom Paper?
Have this question answered from scratch according to your specific instructions and deadline.
Order on TutorsGallery →Assignment Prompt & Instructions
[>Philosophy homework help](https://www.sweetstudy.com/fields/social-science-philosophy)
Ape Genius
John Locke's _tabula rasa_ (blank slate) view of the mind–which rejects the Rationalist belief in _innate ideas–_ has recently been challenged by new scientific research pertaining to the remarkable cognitive abilities of human babies and nonhuman primates. Indeed, as noted in this week's study guide, one of the strongest sources of support for the rationalist theory of innate ideas is evolutionary evidence. According to this line of reasoning, if we can find similar cognitive capacities in our ape ancestors, with whom we share great genetic similarity (at least 98% with chimpanzees and bonobos!), there is good reason to infer that these abilities are innate to humans as well, rooted in our evolutionary past. In the film _Ape Genius_, for example, apes are shown to possess rudimentary forms of _language, culture, tool use, empathy,_ and _reasoning_—capacities that philosophers in the past had erroneously ascribed only to human beings! Of course, the film also documents important differences between ape and human cognition—especially pertaining to teaching and impulse control.
What did you find most surprising about the research outlined in this film, and why?
– a year ago
Leave a Reply