Uniquely Human

Aging

Slowing Age-Related Decline

Thomas Suddendorf Ph.D. on February 19, 2024

Age-related cognitive decline is a particularly unwelcome prospect, driving a vast industry promoting potions, programs, and pointers. Could attitude matter?

Age-related cognitive decline is a particularly unwelcome prospect, driving a vast industry promoting potions, programs, and pointers. Could attitude matter?

Free Will

How to Improve the Human Ability to Forecast

Thomas Suddendorf Ph.D. on October 2, 2023

Because we can conceive of multiple versions of the future branching from the present, we have an intuitive sense of free will and can devise ways to tip fortune in our favor.

Because we can conceive of multiple versions of the future branching from the present, we have an intuitive sense of free will and can devise ways to tip fortune in our favor.

Creativity

The Key to Innovation

Thomas Suddendorf Ph.D. on September 7, 2023

What put human cultural evolution onto a new path?

What put human cultural evolution onto a new path?

Cross-Cultural Psychology

The Mystery of How Newborns Can Imitate Has Been Solved

Thomas Suddendorf Ph.D. on April 18, 2023

The mystery of how babies could possibly copy others right after birth has been solved. They don’t.

The mystery of how babies could possibly copy others right after birth has been solved. They don’t.

Optimism

Should We Be Optimistic About the Future?

Thomas Suddendorf Ph.D. on January 5, 2023

Foresight has been key to ushering in the Anthropocene, with all its predicaments. Can we plot our way to a better future?

Foresight has been key to ushering in the Anthropocene, with all its predicaments. Can we plot our way to a better future?

Environment

Your Mind Is a Private Time Machine

Thomas Suddendorf Ph.D. on January 2, 2023

Humans have a remarkable capacity to foresee the future, but perhaps our greatest powers come from a humbler source.

Humans have a remarkable capacity to foresee the future, but perhaps our greatest powers come from a humbler source.

Animal Behavior

Can Animals Plan for the Future?

Thomas Suddendorf Ph.D. on December 17, 2022

Are animals foreseeing the future? Instincts can go a long way.

Are animals foreseeing the future? Instincts can go a long way.

Cognition

Got Your Bag? The Critical Place of Mobile Containers in Human Evolution

Thomas Suddendorf Ph.D. on June 14, 2021

The invention of mobile containers represented a critical cognitive shift for our human ancestors.

The invention of mobile containers represented a critical cognitive shift for our human ancestors.

Environment

The Future of Human Uniqueness

Thomas Suddendorf Ph.D. on September 3, 2014

Planet of the apes? What will happen to human’s special status on Earth?

Planet of the apes? What will happen to human’s special status on Earth?

Scientists defend contradicting views on animal capacities, apparently aimed at either debunking human arrogance or at securing human dominance.

Genetics

How Did We Become So Unique?

Thomas Suddendorf Ph.D. on January 20, 2014

Great apes have not always been humans’ closest living relatives.

Great apes have not always been humans’ closest living relatives.

Cognition

The Origins of Words

Thomas Suddendorf Ph.D. on November 13, 2013

Where do words come from? What is special about human's capacity to develop symbol systems?

Where do words come from? What is special about human's capacity to develop symbol systems?

Neuroscience

Big Brained

Thomas Suddendorf Ph.D. on October 21, 2013

Are humans the brainiest creatures on the planet?

Are humans the brainiest creatures on the planet?