Description
Book SynopsisIn Evolutionary Neuropsychology, Frederick L. Coolidge examines the evolutionary origins of the human brain''s present structures and functions, and traces these origins from the first life forms, through the development of consciousness, to modern human thinking. A new multidisciplinary science, evolutionary neuropsychology embraces and uses empirical findings from the fields of evolution, neuroscience, cognitive sciences, psychology, anthropology, and archaeology. The bedrock foundation of evolutionary neuropsychology is the assumption that functionally-specialized brain regions are adaptations naturally selected in response to various environmental challenges over the course of billions of years of evolution. These adaptations and their brain regions and circuitry may now serve new functions, which are called exaptations, and they are particularly involved in higher cognitive functions.
Trade ReviewAlthough the book is organized as a conventional textbook, Coolidge interjects digressions throughout the text that lend an organic feel to the reading experience. [This book] serves as a review of the current state of the art and the history of thinking about many fascinating topics considered to belong within the domain of neuroscience, including learning and memory, the evolution of language, the function of sleep and dreaming, and the potential benefits of psychiatric illness. It is especially recommended to anyone interested in learning how evolutionary thinking can be used to gain clarity in the often bewildering study of human behavior. * Choice *
Anyone who is curious about the evolutionary roots of the human brain and cognition will relish this book, including professionals and students. The text offers a spirited and accessible deep dive into the origins of memory, classical conditioning, integration and contrast of primate cognition to early human cognition through current neuropsychology and neuroscience literature. Coolidge has a knack for anticipating, raising, and answering unforeseen questions. Readers will better understand neuropsychology through the presented controversies, historical perspectives, and case histories. This text answers many questions and will begin new, exciting conversations." * Michelle M. Merwin, Professor of Psychology, University of Tennessee Martin *
Coolidge delves so deeply into the evolution of the human brain that he touches the physical stuff of the universe and the principles of life itself. In clear, succinct, and highly digestible prose, he offers a solid overview of evolutionary neuropsychology while challenging long-standing assumptions about functions like learning and sleep, structures like the parietal lobe and cerebellum, and pathologies like personality disorders. A must-read for scholars and students alike." * Karenleigh Overmann, Research Fellow, University of Bergen, Norway *
This is a fascinating and provocative book about the evolution of the human brain. Dr. Coolidge deftly weaves together evolution, psychology, and neuroscience in this thought-provoking work that is sure to educate and entertain. It is full of novel hypotheses, interesting new ideas, and stimulating discussion. I recommend it to laypeople and scientists alike." * Laith Al-Shawaf, Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of Colorado *
Written with impressive erudition, clarity of thought and fluency of language, Fred Coolidge's Evolutionary Neuropsychology offers an authoritative account of the evolutionary origins of the brain's structures and their specialized functions. Packed with pertinent information, yet highly readable, this book is bound to become a classic introduction to a field that appears bewilderingly complex to the newcomer." * Rudolf Botha, Emeritus Professor of Linguistics, Stellenbosch University *
Table of ContentsChapter 1: A Brief History of Life and Brain Evolution Chapter 2: The Evolution of Learning and Memory Systems Chapter 3: An Introduction to the Brain Chapter 4: The Frontal Lobes Chapter 5: The Parietal Lobes Chapter 6: The Temporal Lobes Chapter 7: The Cerebellum Chapter 8: The Hippocampus Chapter 9: The Evolution of Sleep and Dreams Chapter 10: Paleopsychopathology
