Animal Learned Genetic Cognition and the Limits of Anthropomorphic Approach

Abstract

This article discusses the cognitive function of instincts in animal world. The undertaken research demonstrates that the formation of individual’s ability for a certain (complex) action requires having a corresponding specific inborn genetic capacity – the scheme of instinct for that action. Using anthropomorphic approach and the critical verification of its application, authors of this article have revealed the elementary inborn cognitive capacities lying at the basis of the main types of animals’ learned behavior. Special attention is given to the inborn mechanism of animal learning by imitation. The suggested conception of the schemes of instinctive behavior is applied to the analysis of the level of cognitive skills that could be achieved by exercising and training.