Social Intelligence
From brain to culture
Nicola Clayton editor Nathan Emery editor Chris Frith editor
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Oxford University Press
Published:29th Nov '07
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
Why are humans so clever? The 'Social intelligence' hypothesis explores the idea that this cleverness has evolved through the increasing complexity of social groups. Our ability to understand and control nature is a by-product of our ability to understand the mental states of others and to use this knowledge to co-operate or deceive. These abilities have not emerged out of the blue. They can be found in many social animals that co-operate and compete with one another, birds as well as mammals. This book brings together contributions from an impressive list of authorities in the field, appropriately concluding with a chapter by Nick Humphrey (one of the pioneers in this field). This volume examines social intelligence in many different animal species and explores its development, evolution and the brain systems upon which it depends. Better understanding and further development of social intelligence is critical for the future of the human race and the world that we inhabit. Our problems will not be solved by mere cleverness, but by increased social co-operation.
ISBN: 9780199216543
Dimensions: 237mm x 170mm x 25mm
Weight: 777g
459 pages