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

Social Intelligence cover

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