Animal Communication Theory: Information and Influence - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1107013100 ISBN 13: 9781107013100

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2013

Synopsis

The explanation of animal communication by means of concepts like information, meaning and reference is one of the central foundational issues in animal behaviour studies. This book explores these issues, revolving around questions such as: · What is the nature of information? · What theoretical roles does information play in animal communication studies? · Is it justified to employ these concepts in order to explain animal communication? · What is the relation between animal signals and human language? The book approaches the topic from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, including ethology, animal cognition, theoretical biology and evolutionary biology, as well as philosophy of biology and mind. A comprehensive introduction familiarises non-specialists with the field and leads on to chapters ranging from philosophical and theoretical analyses to case studies involving primates, birds and insects. The resulting survey of new and established concepts and methodologies will guide future empirical and theoretical research.

About this title

Book Description:

A valuable overview and analysis of foundational concepts in animal behaviour studies, including information, meaning, communication, signals and cues. Its comprehensive introduction and numerous illustrations will make it accessible to students and researchers from a wide variety of academic backgrounds, ranging from ethology and evolutionary biology to philosophy of mind.

About the Author:

Ulrich E. Stegmann is a Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Aberdeen. After training initially as a biologist, he subsequently switched to philosophy and now specialises in philosophy of biology. He was awarded a British Academy Postdoctoral Research Fellowship and has previously worked at the Universities of Cambridge and Bristol.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1107013100
• ISBN 13: 9781107013100
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 472
• Editor: Stegmann Ulrich E.