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9780140264050: The Symbolic Species: The Co-Evolution of Language and the Brain

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The Symbolic Species[The Co-Evolution of Language and the Brain] [SYMBOLIC SPECIES] [Paperback]

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Terrence Deacon's The Symbolic Species begins with a question posed by a 7-year-old child: Why can't animals talk? Or, as Deacon puts it, if animals have simpler brains, why can't they develop a simpler form of language to go with them? Thus begins the basic line of inquiry for this breathtakingly ambitious work, which attempts to describe the origins of human language and consciousness.

What separates humans from animals, Deacon writes, is our capacity for symbolic representation. Animals can easily learn to link a sound with an object or an effect with a cause. But symbolic thinking assumes the ability to associate things that might only rarely have a physical correlation; think of the word "unicorn," for instance, or the idea of the future. Language is only the outward expression of this symbolic ability, which lays the foundation for everything from human laughter to our compulsive search for meaning.

The final section of The Symbolic Species posits that human brains and human language have coevolved over millions of years, leading Deacon to the remarkable conclusion that many modern human traits were actually caused by ideas. Deacon's background in biological anthropology and neuroscience makes him a reliable companion through this complicated multidisciplinary turf. Rigorously researched and argued in dense but lively prose, The Symbolic Species is that rare animal, a book of serious science that's accessible to layman and scientist alike.

About the Author

Terrence W. Deacon is a professor of biological anthropology and neuroscience and the chair of anthropology at the University of California, Berkeley. The author of The Symbolic Species and Incomplete Nature, he lives near Berkeley, California.

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Deacon, Terrence
Published by Penguin, 1998
ISBN 10: 0140264051 ISBN 13: 9780140264050
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Paperback. Condition: Very Good. The Symbolic Species: The Co-Evolution of Language And the Human Brain (Penguin Press Science) This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 7719-9780140264050

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Condition: Good. Your purchase helps support Sri Lankan Children's Charity 'The Rainbow Centre'. Ex-library, so some stamps and wear, but in good overall condition. Our donations to The Rainbow Centre have helped provide an education and a safe haven to hundreds of children who live in appalling conditions. Seller Inventory # Z1-Q-013-03601

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Condition: Aceptable. : En 'The Symbolic Species', Terrence W. Deacon explora la singularidad del lenguaje humano y su coevolución con el cerebro. El libro examina cómo el lenguaje ha permitido a los humanos reflexionar sobre su existencia, diferenciándolos de otras especies. Deacon argumenta que el lenguaje no es simplemente una herramienta de comunicación, sino un factor clave en la evolución de la cognición humana y la cultura. A través de un análisis profundo, el autor desafía las concepciones tradicionales sobre la naturaleza humana y el universo. EAN: 9780140264050 Tipo: Libros Categoría: Ciencia Ficción|Filosofía|Ciencias Título: The Symbolic Species Autor: Terrence W. Deacon Editorial: Penguin Idioma: en Páginas: 528 Formato: tapa blanda. Seller Inventory # Happ-2025-07-22-4e8a9271

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Paperback. Condition: Very Good. ALL ITEMS ARE DISPATCHED FROM THE UK WITHIN 48 HOURS ( BOOKS ORDERED OVER THE WEEKEND DISPATCHED ON MONDAY) ALL OVERSEAS ORDERS SENT BY TRACKABLE AIR MAIL. IF YOU ARE LOCATED OUTSIDE THE UK PLEASE ASK US FOR A POSTAGE QUOTE FOR MULTI VOLUME SETS BEFORE ORDERING. Seller Inventory # mon0000822143

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Paperback. Condition: Good. 528 pages. ex-library book, Seller Inventory # 5174t

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