In a recent article in TiCS, Lind and Jon-And [1] argued that the sequence memory of animals constitutes a cognitive bottleneck, the ‘sequence bottleneck’, and that mental simulations require faithful representation of sequential information. They therefore concluded that animals cannot perform mental simulations, and that behavioral and neurobiological studies suggesting otherwise are best interpreted as results of associative learning. Through examples of predictive maps, cognitive control, and active sleep, we illustrate the overwhelming evidence that mammals and birds make model-based simulations, which suggests the sequence bottleneck to be more limited in scope than proposed by Lind and Jon-And [1].
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Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.