Since the 1980s consensus opinion is that the mind is like a collection of specialised modules each tasked for a specific purpose. The author seeks to elucidate and account for this theory and explain what it means to be human in this context.
Along with the concepts of consciousness and intelligence, our capacity for language sits right at the core of what makes us human. But while the evolutionary origins of language have provoked speculation and impassioned debate, music has been neglected if not ignored. Like language it is a universal feature of human culture, one that is a permanent fixture in our daily lives. In THE SINGING NEANDERTHALS, Steven Mithen redresses the balance, drawing on a huge range of sources, from neurological case studies through child psychology and the communication systems of non-human primates to the latest paleoarchaeological evidence. The result is a fascinating and provocative work and a succinct riposte to those, like Steven Pinker, who have dismissed music as a functionless and unimportant evolutionary byproduct.
Embarking on a physical and historical journey, the book explores one of Scotland's most significant islands, offering insights into its rich past. The author, known for previous bestselling works, weaves together narratives that illuminate the island's importance and the interplay of culture and history. Readers can expect a blend of engaging storytelling and scholarly research, making it a compelling read for those interested in Scotland's heritage.
A groundbreaking new account of prehistory from one of the most esteemed archaeologists working today
Popis života pravěkých lidí zrekonstruovaný na základě archeologických nálezů. Předchůdci dnešního člověka ve střední a mladší době kamenné.