Abstract

GARCIA, Agnaldo. Cognition and evolution: Konrad Lorenz's contribution. Ciênc. cogn. [online]. 2005, vol.4, pp. 89-100. ISSN 1806-5821.

Konrad Lorenz's contribution to cognitive sciences is analyzed. The author's ideas about cognition and Epistemology try to integrate different knowledge areas, such as Biology, Psychology and Philosophy. Historical and conceptual aspects are discussed, with emphasis on the concept of cognitive apparatus, resulting form evolutionary processes. The functions of this apparatus range from the utilization of instantaneous information to more developed forms, as intelligence. The higher cognition processes, typically human, are the foundation of society and culture. The social life of Primates supplied the basis for conceptual thought, syntactic language, and cumulative tradition. Conceptual thought is the synthesis of previously existing elements, giving rise to a new system. Social and cultural unity stems from formal reasoning, language and group common tradition. Lorenz still tries to integrate cognitive and affective processes at the basis of ethical and esthetic values.

Keywords : Lorenz; Evolutionary Epistemology; Cognition.

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