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Reasoning as a lie detection device

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 March 2011

Jean-Louis Dessalles
Jean-Louis Dessalles
Affiliation:
Telecom ParisTech, F-75013 Paris, France. jl@dessalles.fr http://www.dessalles.fr
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Abstract

The biological function of human reasoning abilities cannot be to improve shared knowledge. This is at best a side effect. A more plausible function of argumentation, and thus of reasoning, is to advertise one's ability to detect lies and errors. Such selfish behavior is closer to what we should expect from a naturally selected competence.

Information

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 34 , Issue 2 , April 2011 , pp. 76 - 77
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

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References

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