Synopses & Reviews
This text describes how human ancestors reached the point in cognitive evolution from which the evolution of modern humans was possible. Rather than speculating about the mental abilities of fossil hominids, on the basis of modern human psychology, the author explores earlier phases of evolution, with the more solid and testable evidence of human ancestry that is still alive: modern primates and other animals.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [235]-245) and indexes.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 - Introduction: the limits of fossil evidence
Chapter 2 - Taxonomy and the reconstruction of evolution
Chapter 3 - What is intelligence and what is it for?
Chapter 4 - How animals learn
Chapter 5 - Why animals learn better in social groups
Chapter 6 - Imitative behaviour in animals
Chapter 7 - Understanding how things work
Chapter 8 - Understanding minds: doing and seeing, knowing and thinking
Chapter 9 - What use is a theory of mind?
Chapter 10 - Planning and thinking ahead
Chapter 11 - Apes and language
Chapter 12 - Food for thought
Chapter 13 - Machiavellian intelligence
Chapter 14 - Testing the theories
Chapter 15 - Taking stock