Figments of Reality The Evolution of the Curious Mind [Paperback]

Popular science tour de force from bestselling authors, on evolution of intelligence, culture and mind.The unique partnership of Ian Stewart and Jack Cohen return with an exhilarating and entertaining exploration of how mind, language and culture evolved. Providing a fresh outlook on these topical questions, they develop new and intriguing insights into the nature of evolution, science and humanity. From reviews of their previous bestseller, The Collapse of Chaos:'A host of new and thought-provoking ideas ... as good an introduction to [the] science of the future as any you're likely to find.' NatureThe unique partnership of Ian Stewart and Jack Cohen return with an exhilarating and entertaining exploration of how mind, language and culture evolved. Providing a fresh outlook on these topical questions, they develop new and intriguing insights into the nature of evolution, science and humanity. From reviews of their previous bestseller, The Collapse of Chaos:'A host of new and thought-provoking ideas ... as good an introduction to [the] science of the future as any you're likely to find.' NaturePeppered with wit and controversial topics, this is a refreshing new look at the co-evolution of mind and culture. Bestselling authors Ian Stewart and Jack Cohen (The Collapse of Chaos, 1994) eloquently argue that our minds evolved within an inextricable link with culture and language. They go beyond conventional views of the function and purpose of the mind to look at the ways that the mind is the response of an evolving brain that is constantly adjusting to a complex environment. Along the way they develop new and intriguing insights into the nature of evolution, science, and humanity that will challenge conventional views on consciousness. The esteemed authors tantalize the reader with these bold new outlooks while putting a revolutionary spin on such classic philosophical problems as the nature of free will and the essence of humanity. This clearly written and enjoyable l#É