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Imitation and the effort of learning

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 April 2008

Justin H. G. Williams
Justin H. G. Williams
Affiliation:
Department of Child Health, University of Aberdeen School of Medicine, Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom. Justin.williams@abdn.ac.ukhttp://www.abdn.ac.uk/child_health/williams.shtml
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Abstract

Central to Hurley's argument is the position that imitation is “automatic” and requires inhibition. The evidence for this is poor. Imitation is intentional, involves active comparison between self and other, and involves new learning to improve self-other likeness. Abnormal imitation behaviour may result from impaired learning rather than disinhibition. Mentalizing may be similarly effortful and dependent upon learning about others.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 31 , Issue 1 , February 2008 , pp. 40 - 41
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

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