Abstract
Cognitive biases can lead to misinterpretations of human and non-human biology and behavior. The concept of the Umwelt describes phylogenetic contrasts in the sensory realms of different species and has important implications for evolutionary studies of cognition (including biases) and social behavior. It has recently been suggested that the microbiome (the diverse network of microorganisms in a given environment, including those within a host organism such as humans) has an influential role in host behavior and health. In this paper, we discuss the host’s microbiome in relation to cognitive biases and the concept of the Umwelt. Failing to consider the role of host–microbiome (collectively termed a “holobiont”) interactions in a given behavior, may underpin a potentially important cognitive bias – which we refer to as the Holobiont Blindspot. We also suggest that microbially mediated behavioral responses could augment our understanding of the Umwelt. For example, the potential role of the microbiome in perception and action could be an important component of the system that gives rise to the Umwelt. We also discuss whether microbial symbionts could be considered in System 1 thinking – that is, decisions driven by perception, intuition and associative memory. Recognizing Holobiont Blindspots and considering the microbiome as a key factor in the Umwelt and System 1 thinking has the potential to advance studies of cognition. Furthermore, investigating Holobiont Blindspots could have important implications for our understanding of social behaviors and mental health. Indeed, the way we think about how we think may need to be revisited.
Highlights
It is well established that humans are prone to making systematic cognitive errors or “biases” – for example, the susceptibility to overestimate how much one understands about the world (Kahneman et al, 1998; Barton et al, 2016)
The concept of the Umwelt was first coined by Jakob Von Uexküll in the early 20th century to describe phylogenetic contrasts in the sensory realms of different species, and the species-specific interactions that occur between the brain, the body and the environment (Von Uexküll et al, 1899; Von Uexküll, 1934/1957; Partan and Marler, 2002)
The Umwelt was divided into the Merkwelt and the Wirkwelt to define an animal’s sensory unit, from perception to behavior
Summary
It is well established that humans are prone to making systematic cognitive errors or “biases” – for example, the susceptibility to overestimate how much one understands about the world (Kahneman et al, 1998; Barton et al, 2016). Some authors ( those working within western scientific frameworks) have suggested that anthropomorphism – the heuristic act of attributing human-centric phenotypes to both non-human animals and inanimate phenomena – can lead to misunderstandings of non-human biological processes and behaviors (Burghardt, 2004; Farina, 2012; Bueno-Guerra, 2018). The hierarchical view of nature that positions humans as the pinnacle of species is yet another cognitive bias that may inhibit our understanding and appreciation of the complex interrelated ecologies of biology and behavior
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