Psychology and Cognitive Archaeology : An Interdisciplinary Approach to the Study of the Human Mind

Psychology and Cognitive Archaeology demonstrates the potential of using cognitive archaeology framing to explore key issues in contemporary psychology and other behavioral sciences.

This edited volume features psychologists exploring archaeological data concerning specific themes such as: the use of tools, our child-rearing practices, our expressions of gender and sexuality, our sleep patterns, the nature of warfare, cultural practices, and the origins of religion. Other chapters touch on cognitive archaeological methods, the history of evolutionary approaches in psychology, and relevant philosophical considerations to further illustrate the interdisciplinary potential between archaeology and psychology. As a complementary counterpoint, the book also includes an archaeologist’s perspective on these same topical matters, as well as robust introductory and concluding thoughts by the editors.

This book will be an illuminating read for students and scholars of psychology (particularly theoretical, social, cognitive, and evolutionary psychology), as well as philosophy, archaeology, and anthropology.

Tracy B. Henley is Professor at Texas A & M University–Commerce, USA. He works primarily on historical matters, social cognition, and psycholinguistics. He has several previous books related to the history of psychology as well as serving as an editor for the Handbook of Cognitive Archaeology.

Matt J. Rossano is Professor of Psychology at Southeastern Louisiana University, USA, where he studies the evolution of ritual, religion, and cooperation. His past books include Ritual in Human Evolution and Religion, Handbook of Cognitive Archaeology, Supernatural Selection: How Religion Evolved, and Mortal Rituals.