The role of the cerebellum in creativity and expert stone knapping

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to review the evolution and function of the cerebellum, particularly in regard to its role in creativity and expert stone knapping. First, the article reviews the history of the cerebellum, its evolution and phylogenetics, and its concerted evolution with various brain regions. It also notes the critical role of the cerebellum and the cerebro-cerebellar network in its traditionally recognized control of gross and fine motor movements and in its exaptation for basic and higher level cognitive processes, particularly in regard to increasingly more sophisticated stone knapping. Also, reviewed are various theories, advanced over the past three decades, of how the cerebellum tweaks and refines thoughts, images, and ideas just as it refines and smooths motor movements. Baddeley’s working memory model is also prominently featured, as are the works of Ito, Vandervert, and others on the cerebellum’s role in novel problem-solving, insight, and creativity. Finally, this article reviews two “Cognitive Rubicons” in stone tool knapping, Theory of Mind and stone knapping, and Malafouris’ Material Engagement Theory. The article concludes with a novel hypothesis that the automaticity provided by the cerebellum derived from extensive practice in stone knapping may have freed Baddeley’s central executive from its attentional demands and allows the mind to “wander and wonder.”