Description
Book SynopsisThis book explores the evolution of the mental competence for self-reflection: why it evolved, under what selection pressures, in what environments, out of what precursors, and with what mental resources. It will interest scholars across the fields of cognitive science, developmental psychology, evolutionary psychology, and philosophy of the mind.
Trade Review'This is an articulate, thoughtful, and scientifically informed treatise about humans' unique self-reflective capabilities. It examines the ontogenetic and phylogenetic emergence of self-reflection, taking an explicit developmental evolution approach, which is much needed and timely to the field.' David F. Bjorklund, Professor of Psychology, Florida Atlantic University, USA, and Vice President, Evolution Institute
'In his attractively written book, Radu Bogdan shows how the capacity for self-reflection and self-criticism has been key to humans' evolutionary success. It's a persuasively argued and original thesis.' Nicholas Humphrey, Emeritus Professor of Psychology, London School of Economics, and Visiting Professor of Philosophy, University of Cambridge, UK
'Radu Bogdan puts his finger on the central question about the human mind: the capacity for self-conscious reflection on one's own mental processes. His evolutionary account provides a worthy alternative to Descartes' belief that the mind is transparent to itself and the behavioralist view that denies self-consciousness altogether.' David Olson, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, University of Toronto, Canada
Table of ContentsIntroduction; 1. Framing the issue; Part I. The Architecture: 2. Basic resources; 3. With self in mind; Part II. The Evolution: 4. An evolutionary paradigm; 5. Reasons for self-reflection; 6. Scaffolding self-reflection; 7. A public sense of me; 8. Questions and answers; Index.
