Language and Human Nature
A talk by Steven Pinker [9.30.09]
Language is an adaptation to the "cognitive niche". It facilitates exchange of information, negotiating of cooperation. But indirect speech (polite requests, veiled threats & bribes, sexual overtures) are a puzzle for the theory that language is an adaptation for efficient communication. Language is an adaptation to the "cognitive niche". ...
STEVEN PINKER is a Harvard College Professor and Johnstone Family Professor of Psychology, Harvard University; Author, The Stuff of Thought.
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Conversations at Edge
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A History of Violence
Edge Master Class 2011 By Steven Pinker [9.27.11] The Stuff of Thought "The Experiment Marathon": A conversation By Marcy Kahan, Steven Pinker [10.14.07] Preface to Dangerous Ideas By Steven Pinker [12.31.06] The Science of Gender - A Debate By Elizabeth Spelke, Steven Pinker [5.16.05] |
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