This book is not for the casual layman. There is a lot of technical biological, psychological, and linguistic terminology. I don't think this book is easily read by someone without a decent education in at least one of these areas. The author is, without a doubt, very educated in human develop and language theories. He doesn't need to constantly cite erudite research and pointless texts to make a point. His prose is quite captivating and helps the reader become enamored with his way of thinking.
The major theme of this book is: our traditional way of looking at the mind-language relationship is not necessarily true. The author talks about how this book was written from his experiences giving a talk at his child's school during career day. He is asked whether animals have a simple language and admitted that he didn't know how to answer the kid's question. His book probes into that idea. What is the difference between animals and humans in language ability? How come apes can develop some symbolic manipulation, and yet cannot maintain it? Why is it that a young ape learns language at a much quicker rate? These questions are posed in the beginning of the book. He then moves on to intelligence and human brain encephalization, as well as brain size and the ratio between brain and body. The section on intelligence and the brain brought up a lot of complex ideas behind intelligence. Why does a rat, whose brain/body ratio is quite high, not have the same intelligence as a human? And why do humans have a higher brain/body ratio than elephants? Such questions reach the corner of evolutionary, epistemological, and psychological thought.
I'm still in the middle of the book. And I'll be continuing to look into this gem of a text. Has been inspiring a lot of good ideas.
ISBN-13:
978-0393317541
ISBN-10:
0393317544
Why is ISBN important?
ISBN
Scan an ISBN with your phone
Use the Amazon App to scan ISBNs and compare prices.
This bar-code number lets you verify that you're getting exactly the right version or edition of a book. The 13-digit and 10-digit formats both work.
Use the Amazon App to scan ISBNs and compare prices.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club?
Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Nolyn: The Rise and Fall, Book 1
In the depths of an unforgiving jungle, a legend is about to be born. Listen now
Enter your mobile number or email address below and we'll send you a link to download the free Kindle App. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
-
Apple
-
Android
-
Windows Phone
-
Android
To get the free app, enter your mobile phone number.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
What other items do customers buy after viewing this item?
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Paperback$37.00FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Thursday, Sep 9Only 6 left in stock (more on the way).
Nolyn: The Rise and Fall, Book 1
In the depths of an unforgiving jungle, a legend is about to be born. Listen now
Customer reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2017
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2015
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2012
Verified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
Dietsche
The Symbolic Species.The Co-evolution of Mind and Language
Reviewed in Germany on May 22, 2016Verified Purchase
Roma83
Great book
Reviewed in Italy on August 15, 2019Verified Purchase
Simone
Highly recommended
Reviewed in Italy on October 8, 2016Verified Purchase
C.C.Nollie
Evolution Monolith : デカい本、デカい人物 でも小さいことを大切にするヒト
Reviewed in Japan on May 20, 2018Verified Purchase
