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Why a deep understanding of cultural evolution is incompatible with shallow psychology

Sperber, Dan (2006) Why a deep understanding of cultural evolution is incompatible with shallow psychology. In: Enfield, N. J and Levinson, Stephen. C, (eds.) Roots of Human Sociality : Culture, Cognition and Interaction. Wenner-gren international symposium series, Wenner-Gren international series. Berg (Firm), pp. 431-452. ISBN 9781845203948

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Abstract

This book marks an exciting convergence towards the idea that human culture and cognition are rooted in the character of human social interaction, which is unique in the animal kingdom. Roots of Human Sociality attempts for the first time to explore the underlying properties of social interaction viewed from across many disciplines, and examines their origins in infant development and in human evolution.Are interaction patterns in adulthood affected by cultural differences in childhood upbringing? Apes, unlike human infants of only 12 months, fail to understand pointing and the intention behind it. Nevertheless apes can imitate and analyze complex behavior - how do they do it? Deaf children brought up by speaking parents invent their own languages. How might adults deprived of a fully organized language communicate?This book makes the case that the study of these sorts of phenomenon holds the key to understanding the foundations of human social life. The conclusion: our unique brand of social interaction is at the root of what makes us human.

Item Type: Book Section
Official URL: http://www.bergpublishers.com/
Additional Information: © 2006 Berg publishers
Divisions: Sociology
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
Date Deposited: 06 Oct 2008 15:43
Last Modified: 15 Sep 2023 09:19
URI: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/8749

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