Perspectives on Imitation, Volume 2: From Neuroscience to Social Science - Volume 2: Imitation, Human Development, and Culture - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0262582511 ISBN 13: 9780262582513

Publisher: MIT Press, 2005

Synopsis

Leading researchers across a range of disciplines provide a state-of-the-art view of imitation, integrating the latest findings and theories with reviews of seminal work, and revealing why imitation is a topic of such intense current scientific interest. 

About this title

Review:

--Chris Frith, Institute of Neurology, University College London

--Kim Sterelny, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, and Australian National University

--William H. Durham, Bing Professor in Human Biology and Chair of Anthropological Sciences, Stanford University

--R. Peter Hobson, Tavistock Professor of Developmental Psychopathology, University of London, and author of "The Cradle of Thought"

" Here we encounter the very best of thinking, evidence, and debate on imitation (and beyond) from the very best of philosophers, scientists, and proponents of contrasting perspectives. It's brilliant and it's fun." --R. Peter Hobson, Tavistock Professor of Developmental Psychopathology, University of London, and author of "The Cradle of Thought"

" Just a few years ago it seemed that study of the brain had no relevance for the social sciences. Now everyone wants to study the neural basis of social processes. This book explains why. Detailed discussions about the mechanisms of imitation show how we can make direct links from brain activity to the development of culture." --Chris Frith, Institute of Neurology, University College London

" Hurley and Chater have put together the definitive collection on imitation. From mirror neurons to media violence to meme theory, you'll find it all here, cogently presented and debated. The set includes multiple chapters on mechanisms, the animal record, human development, and culture, each with a lively exchange of views and interpretations. A must-read for students of behavior, sociality, and culture." --William H. Durham, Bing Professor in Human Biology and Chair of Anthropological Sciences, Stanford University

" Over the last decade, it has become clear that imitation is as central as language, technology, and cooperation to making us human. Other apes imitate, but fitfully and with difficulty. For us, it is as natural as walking and talking, and appears more quickly. "Perspectives on Imitation" is a superb resource for all of us trying to understand imitation. It ranges across the nature, evolution, and development of this remarkable trait, as well as its contribution to making us the distinctive creatures that we are." --Kim Sterelny, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, and Australian National University

& quot; Here we encounter the very best of thinking, evidence, and debate on imitation (and beyond) from the very best of philosophers, scientists, and proponents of contrasting perspectives. It's brilliant and it's fun.& quot; --R. Peter Hobson, Tavistock Professor of Developmental Psychopathology, University of London, and author of The Cradle of Thought

& quot; Just a few years ago it seemed that study of the brain had no relevance for the social sciences. Now everyone wants to study the neural basis of social processes. This book explains why. Detailed discussions about the mechanisms of imitation show how we can make direct links from brain activity to the development of culture.& quot; --Chris Frith, Institute of Neurology, University College London

Synopsis:

Imitation is not the low-level, cognitively undemanding behavior it is often assumed to be, but - along with language and the ability to understand other minds - is one of a trio of related capacities that are fundamental to human mentality. In these landmark volumes, leading researchers across a range of disciplines provide a state-of-the-art view of imitation, integrating the latest findings and theories with reviews of seminal work, and revealing why imitation is a topic of such intense current scientific interest. Perspectives are drawn from neuroscience and brain imaging, animal and developmental psychology, primatology, ethology, philosophy, anthropology, media studies, economics, sociology, education, and law. Each volume includes extensive interdisciplinary commentary and discussion. The first volume considers possible mechanisms of imitation, including discussion of mirror systems, ideomotor and common coding theories, and the possibility of "shared circuits" for control, imitation, and simulation, and then takes up imitation in animals, with illuminating comparisons to human imitation.

The second volume focuses first on the roles of imitation in human development and in learning to understand the minds of others, and then on the broader social and cultural roles and functions of imitation, including discussions of meme theory and cultural evolution.

About this edition

• Publisher: MIT Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0262582511
• ISBN 13: 9780262582513
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 561
• Editor: Hurley Susan, Chater Nick