Decision tree


	Object Classification
	As a Decision Tree
	(revised November 15, 1997)

This strip suggests a hierarchical decision tree as a model of how core faculties can make basic-level classifications of the world into objects, intentional agents, and conscious beings.

Spelke				Object faculty
	Is this an object?
	\|
	Does it move independently?	------	No	---->	Part of an object
	\|
	Yes (cohesive, bounded, rigid, local action)
	\|
	Objects (rocks, animals, people)

Leslie			Theory of Body
	Is this an agent?
	\|
	Does it move on its own?	------	No	---->	Object (rock)
	\|
	Yes (internal source of energy)
	\|
	Maybe agent (wind, fire, weather, animals, people)

Leslie			ToMM 1
	Is it intentional?
	\|
	Does it move purposefully?	------	No	---->	Not agent (wind)
	\|
	Yes (unlikely trajectory)
	\|
	Agent (insects, animals, people)

Leslie			ToMM 2
	Is it conscious?
	\|
	Does it have mental states?	------	No	---->	Not mental (insects)
	\|
	Yes (pretends)
	\|
	Mental (animals, people)

The presentations of Spelke, Atran, Leslie, and Baron-Cohen present experimental detail--and theoretical grist for the philosophical mill--on core cognitive faculties..

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