The Extended Mind

The Emergence of Language, the Human Mind, and Culture

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, Theory
Cover of the book The Extended Mind by Robert K.  Logan, University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Robert K. Logan ISBN: 9781442691803
Publisher: University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division Publication: June 12, 2008
Imprint: Language: English
Author: Robert K. Logan
ISBN: 9781442691803
Publisher: University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division
Publication: June 12, 2008
Imprint:
Language: English

The ability to communicate through language is such a fundamental part of human existence that we often take it for granted, rarely considering how sophisticated the process is by which we understand and make ourselves understood. In The Extended Mind, acclaimed author Robert K. Logan examines the origin, emergence, and co-evolution of language, the human mind, and culture.

Building on his previous study, The Sixth Language (2000) and making use of emergence theory, Logan seeks to explain how language emerged to deal with the complexity of hominid existence brought about by tool-making, control of fire, social intelligence, coordinated hunting and gathering, and mimetic communication. The resulting emergence of language, he argues, signifies a fundamental change in the functioning of the human mind - a shift from percept-based thought to concept-based thought.

From the perspective of the Extended Mind model, Logan provides an alternative to and critique of Noam Chomsky's approach to the origin of language. He argues that language can be treated as an organism that evolved to be easily acquired, obviating the need for the hard-wiring of Chomsky's Language Acquisition Device. In addition Logan shows how, according to this model, culture itself can be treated as an organism that has evolved to be easily attained, revealing the universality of human culture as well as providing an insight as to how altruism might have originated. Bringing timely insights to a fascinating field of inquiry, The Extended Mind will be sure to find a wide readership.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The ability to communicate through language is such a fundamental part of human existence that we often take it for granted, rarely considering how sophisticated the process is by which we understand and make ourselves understood. In The Extended Mind, acclaimed author Robert K. Logan examines the origin, emergence, and co-evolution of language, the human mind, and culture.

Building on his previous study, The Sixth Language (2000) and making use of emergence theory, Logan seeks to explain how language emerged to deal with the complexity of hominid existence brought about by tool-making, control of fire, social intelligence, coordinated hunting and gathering, and mimetic communication. The resulting emergence of language, he argues, signifies a fundamental change in the functioning of the human mind - a shift from percept-based thought to concept-based thought.

From the perspective of the Extended Mind model, Logan provides an alternative to and critique of Noam Chomsky's approach to the origin of language. He argues that language can be treated as an organism that evolved to be easily acquired, obviating the need for the hard-wiring of Chomsky's Language Acquisition Device. In addition Logan shows how, according to this model, culture itself can be treated as an organism that has evolved to be easily attained, revealing the universality of human culture as well as providing an insight as to how altruism might have originated. Bringing timely insights to a fascinating field of inquiry, The Extended Mind will be sure to find a wide readership.

More books from University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division

Cover of the book Blackfoot Dictionary of Stems, Roots, and Affixes by Robert K.  Logan
Cover of the book Ghostly Paradoxes by Robert K.  Logan
Cover of the book Race, Racialization and Antiracism in Canada and Beyond by Robert K.  Logan
Cover of the book 'We Are Still Didene' by Robert K.  Logan
Cover of the book Carol Shields and the Writer-Critic by Robert K.  Logan
Cover of the book Cognitive Disability Aesthetics by Robert K.  Logan
Cover of the book Middle Income Access to Justice by Robert K.  Logan
Cover of the book Diaminds by Robert K.  Logan
Cover of the book The Confederation Group of Canadian Poets, 1880-1897 by Robert K.  Logan
Cover of the book They Need Nothing by Robert K.  Logan
Cover of the book A Path Not Strewn With Roses by Robert K.  Logan
Cover of the book The Dangers of Nuclear War by Robert K.  Logan
Cover of the book Adult Education and Health by Robert K.  Logan
Cover of the book Poems by Robert K.  Logan
Cover of the book Ethics of War and Peace in Iran and Shi'i Islam by Robert K.  Logan
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy