Collective Intelligence in Human & Non-human Groups

4.0 credits

This course examines collective intelligence—the ability of groups to solve problems, make decisions, and learn in ways that can exceed individual capabilities—in both human and non-human systems. We will explore how collective behavior emerges from interactions among individuals, considering both ultimate evolutionary explanations and proximate mechanistic processes. Drawing on empirical evidence from observational and experimental studies across a wide range of species, the course integrates theoretical frameworks from cognitive science, biology, psychology, and the social sciences. Core topics include collective decision-making, social learning, information sharing, coordination, and collective learning, as well as recent advances and open questions in the study of group cognition.