Perspectives on Imitation: From Neuroscience to Social Science - Volume 1: Mechanisms of Imitation and Imitation in Animals

“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 “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 “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 “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

Susan Hurley is Professor at the University of Warwick, Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford, and author of Consciousness in Action (1998). Nick Chater is Professor of Psychology at the University of Warwick and Director of the Institute for Applied Cognitive Science.

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