The cognitive origins of geometry

Geometry is often considered the paradigmatic model of abstract thought, and great thinkers since at least Plato have sought its origins. Particular, modular “languages of thought” have been invoked to explain humans’ unique cognitive achievements in certain domains, including geometry. Contrary to this hypothesis, I propose the Wanderers Hypothesis for Geometry, which states that: Human geometry is largely rooted in navigation-like mental processes that approximate Euclidean geometry and are shared by humans and nonhuman animals. Humans uniquely may access this geometry with natural language and use it flexibly in novel contexts, ultimately supporting our capacity for formal learning. In explaining geometry’s cognitive origins, we refine our understanding of the mind in general.