Behavioral and Brain Sciences

Table of Contents - 1998 - Volume 21, Issue 01  


Open Peer Commentary
Heyes, C. M.: Theory of mind in nonhuman primates

Anecdotes, omniscience, and associative learning in examining the theory of mind

Steven M. Green a1, David L. Wilson a1 and Siân Evans a1
a1 Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33124-0421 sgreen@umiami.ir.miami.edu http://fig.cox.miami.edu

Abstract

We suggest that anecdotes have evidentiary value in interpreting nonhuman primate behavior. We also believe that any outcome from the experiments proposed by Heyes can be interpreted as a product of previous experience with trainers or as associative learning using the experimental cues. No potential outcome is clearcut evidence for or against the theory of mind proposition.