The Symbolic Species: The Co-evolution of Language and the Brain
The Symbolic Species: The Co-evolution of Language and the Brain
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1998
Book Brief
BetaThe Symbolic Species: The Co-evolution of Language and the Brain
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1998528
Book • Nonfiction
•
Anthropology•
Psychology•
Anthropology•
Psychology1998
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Symbolic Species: The Co-evolution of Language and the Brain, Terrence W. Deacon explores the interdependent evolution of human language and the brain. He examines how symbolic communication shapes cognitive processes, arguing that language is a unique adaptation that differentiates humans from other species, fostering complex social structures and cultural development.
Informative
Contemplative
Challenging
Mysterious
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
683 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Symbolic Species by Terrence W. Deacon is praised for its interdisciplinary approach, combining anthropology, neuroscience, and linguistics to explore language evolution. Critics admire its depth and originality but note its complexity may overwhelm readers unfamiliar with scientific jargon. The book's innovative ideas engage, though its dense prose can challenge.
Who Should Read The Symbolic Species: The Co-evolution of Language and the Brain?
Readers who relish interdisciplinary explorations of human cognition, much like in Steven Pinker's The Language Instinct or Daniel Dennett's Consciousness Explained, will enjoy Deacon’s blend of anthropology, neuroscience, and linguistics in The Symbolic Species. They appreciate evolutionary narratives and complex cognitive theory.
683 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
528
Book • Nonfiction
•
Anthropology•
Psychology•
Anthropology•
Psychology1998
Adult
18+ years
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