Tools, Language and Cognition in Human Evolution - Hardcover

Gibson, Kathleen R.; Ingold, Tim

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521414741 ISBN 13: 9780521414746

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1993

Synopsis

The question addressed by this volume is how human beings have evolved as creatures who can make and use more complex tools, communicate in more complex ways, and engage in more complex forms of social life, than any other species in the animal kingdom. The topics explored include the parallels among speech, manual gesture and other models of communication; a comparison of the tool-using skills and imitative abilities of humans and nonhuman primates; the neurological links among the cognitive processes involved in language, gesture and tool use; how linguistic and technical capacities merge together in processes of cognitive development; and a discussion of what the archaeological record and the ethnography of modern human cultures can tell us about the relationship among tools, language and social life.

About this title

Book Description:

The question addressed by this volume is how human beings have evolved as creatures who can make and use more complex tools, communicate in more complex ways, and engage in more complex forms of social life, than any other species in the animal kingdom.

Review:

"...its subject matter is compelling, its presentation cogent, and its message important. For anyone with even a passing interest in the topic, the reward is worth the effort." Roger Lewin, New Scientist

"...a handsome, mind-stretching volume that expands human understanding among practitioners, and may serve as a useful supplementary text in college and universities." Philip R. Harris, Behavioral Science

"All 21 chapters in this book are well written and contain much interesting and at times challenging material." Charles Crawford, Contemporary Psychology

"While most chapters are written on a level appropriate for people from other fields, the breadth of coverage insures that experts in all relevant fields will find plenty of new food for thought. Consequently, this is a rather rare book in that it can be highly recommended for readers ranging from students to experts. All that is required is an interest in tools, language and human cognition, and this will surely be provoked by the book if not already present." Thomas R. Alley, Human Ethology Bulletin

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0521414741
• ISBN 13: 9780521414746
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 495