The unpredictable species : what makes humans unique / Philip Lieberman.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Lieberman, Philip.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Brain--Evolution.

Brain.

Human evolution.

Evolutionary psychology.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (273 p.)

Edition:

Course Book

Place of Publication:

Princeton : Princeton University Press, 2013.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

The Unpredictable Species argues that the human brain evolved in a way that enhances our cognitive flexibility and capacity for innovation and imitation. In doing so, the book challenges the central claim of evolutionary psychology that we are locked into predictable patterns of behavior that were fixed by genes, and refutes the claim that language is innate. Philip Lieberman builds his case with evidence from neuroscience, genetics, and physical anthropology, showing how our basal ganglia--structures deep within the brain whose origins predate the dinosaurs--came to play a key role in human creativity. He demonstrates how the transfer of information in these structures was enhanced by genetic mutation and evolution, giving rise to supercharged neural circuits linking activity in different parts of the brain. Human invention, expressed in different epochs and locales in the form of stone tools, digital computers, new art forms, complex civilizations--even the latest fashions--stems from these supercharged circuits. The Unpredictable Species boldly upends scientifically controversial yet popular beliefs about how our brains actually work. Along the way, this compelling book provides insights into a host of topics related to human cognition, including associative learning, epigenetics, the skills required to be a samurai, and the causes of cognitive confusion on Mount Everest and of Parkinson's disease.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

Chapter One. Brainworks

Chapter Two. Brain Design by Rube Goldberg

Chapter Three. Darwin Got It Right

Chapter Four. Chimpanzee Brain 2.0

Chapter Five. Stones, Bones, and Brains

Chapter Six. The Gene Game

Chapter Seven. What Makes Us Tick

References

Index

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 209-230) and index.

ISBN:

9781299467910

1299467911

9781400846702

1400846706

OCLC:

841033923