1. Meta-representation The Emergence of meta-representation (a hypothesis)

2. How did meta-representation develop?  Genetic change? ÷  Module in the brain? ÷  Emergence? +

3. Emergence We use the term emergence when the following donditions are satisfied :

4. a)Population of N individuals, N >> 0 b) If a and b are ”close” they modify each others activity pattern c) Given the activity of a at t 0 one cannot predict its activity at t 0 + t d) At the global level there is synchronized activity e) d) is an effect of b)

5. Problem: How can we describe b) in the case of human interaction?

6. The modification of activity patterns in humans is based on: a) Neonates attend to and imitate facial expressions b) Imitation of the adults action on outside objects (M. Tomasello) c) Imitation of speech sounds

7. An example Language structure might be an emergent property of c)

8. Conditions for language to evolve a)The vocal tract b) Brain regions for the production, ordering, and memory of speech sounds c) Pathways that connet the phonological system with the conceptual system d) The imitative scheme described above

9. Imitation might be based on the mirror system in the brain Mirror neurons found in monkeys (G. Rizzolatti) Evidence for their existence in humans (M. Jeannerod) Suggestions for a more general function in humans (V. Gallese)

10. The mirror system ensures: a) we attune to the expressions of the other b) Our understanding of the others intentional act is embodied and immediate

11. Imitation Different representations of strategy and goal

12. Strategy ≠ goal Embodied representations of different strategies for the same goal Systems for comparing and choosing Meta-reflection

13. Levels of representation Meta-reflection on goal vs strategy Goal behavioral strategy (embodied schemes) Motor schemes

14. The main occupation of the brain is prediction Meta-reflection is a consequence of failed prediction

15. Prediction ≠ result Awareness of the strategy Counterfactual strategy

16. Counterfactual strategy actual strategy Comparison reflection

17. Language Different perspectives on the same situation ”you broke the window” vs. ”the window was broken”

18. Language Communication Embody different perspectives Meta-cognition

19. Language Speech repair Attention to the act of speech Reflection on the form of speech

20. Language Meta-discourse Embody external monitoring of behavior Self-reflection

21. Literature: Rizzolati, G. et al. (1988) Functional organization of inferior area 6 in the macaque monkey: II. Area F5 and the control of distal movements Exp. Brain Res. 71, 491- 507 Decety, J.et al.(1997) Brain activity during observation of action. Brain, 120, 1763-1777 Jeannerod, M. (2003) Consciousness of action and self- consciousness. In Agency and self awareness: issues in philosophy and psychology (eds. J. Roessler and N. Eilan) Oxford University Press

22. Gallese, V. & Goldman, A. (1998) Mirror neurons and the simulation theory of mind-reading. Trends in Cognitive Science, 2: 493-501 Tomasello, M. (1999) The cultural origins of human cognition, Harvard University Press