From Conventions to Culture: Social Cognition in Techno-Baboons with Dr. Nicolas Claidiere

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In this episode I sit down with my friend and colleague, cognitive scientist Dr. Nicolas Claidiere from the Center for Research in Psychology and Neuroscience at Aix-Marseille University.

Nico was on the podcast once before, in episode 30 when we recorded from the International Primatological Society's conference in Hanoi, Vietnam, back in 2014. 

So let's call this a 10-year reunion!

In the episode, we talk about:

• bloodletting (Paywall), I know, right? Nico thought it was a weird question, too! 
• the most tech-savvy baboons in the world, who also boast some of the highest screen times around
• but also, why they are good subjects to study social cognition with
• The emergence of conventions in baboon society, like shaking hands, or driving on the right/left, but not!
• cumulative cultural evolution, and why it might not be scalable in non-human species
• the relationship between biological and cultural evolution
• and the role of mentors in shaping one's career
• curiosity, in humans and beyond ...

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“You need social learning and you need technological reasoning to get technological evolution. The question is, what evolved first and what is the most important." (Nicolas Claidiere)
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I found this to be a remarkable conversation about the evolution of technological reasoning, social learning and cultural evolution. It offers a reflection on the broader implications of social dynamics and cognitive science, and really highlights what incredible insights can come from one of the most innovative research labs you're likely to find out there.

I hope you enjoy the interview as much as I did! And learn a lot from it, too...

Pre-Roll Audio: BBC Nature / White Handed Gibbon 91115

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