RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Neuronal Mechanisms of Strategic Cooperation
JF bioRxiv
FD Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
SP 500850
DO 10.1101/500850
A1 Wei Song Ong
A1 Seth Madlon-Kay
A1 Michael L. Platt
YR 2018
UL http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2018/12/18/500850.abstract
AB Here we demonstrate that during strategic gameplay monkeys behave as if they reason recursively about other individuals’ beliefs and desires in order to predict their choices and to guide their own actions, especially the decision to cooperate. Neurons in mid superior temporal sulcus (mSTS), the putative homolog of the human temporo-parietal junction (TPJ), signal abstract non-perceptual social information, including payoffs, intentions, and outcomes, and further distinguish between social and nonsocial agents while monkeys play the game. We demonstrate for the first time that a subpopulation of these neurons selectively signals cooperatively obtained rewards. Neurons in the anterior cingulate gyrus (ACCg), an area implicated in vicarious reinforcement and empathy, do not distinguish agency and as a population carry less information about strategic variables. These findings suggest the capacity to mentalize has deep roots in the strategic social behavior of primates, and endorse mSTS as the evolutionary wellspring of these functions.