Toward a Richer Theoretical Scaffolding for Interpreting Archaeological Evidence Concerning Cognitive Evolution
Cognitive Models in Palaeolithic Archaeology champions the use of formal cognitive models in the analysis of prehistoric remains from the deep past. The authors of individual chapters include many of the leading authorities in the nascent field of cognitive archaeology. After a historically organized introduction to evolutionary cognitive archaeology by Thomas Wynn, the chapters present and apply several different cognitive models to Palaeolithic remains, including expert cognition (T. Wynn, M. Lombard, M. Haidle, F. L. Coolidge), information processing (P. Barnard, I. Davidson, R. Byrne), material engagement theory (L. Malafouris), embodied/extended cognition (L. Overmann), neuroaesthetics (M. Martin-Loeches), visual resonance theory (D. Hodgson), theory of mind (J. Cole), and neuronal recycling (T. Wynn, L. Overmann, F. L. Coolidge, K. Janulis). The authors address archaeological remains from the entire range of the Palaeolithic, from the earliest stone tools 3.3 million years ago to artistic developments that emerged after 50,000 years ago. The volume demonstrates clearly the kinds of insights that can be gained by applying formal cognitive models to Palaeolithic evidence.
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