This book is about the social life of monkeys, apes and humans. Its central theme is the importance of social information and knowledge to a full understanding of primate social behaviour and organisation. Using this perspective, the authors seek to demonstrate a continuity between human and non-human society that is often not recognised elsewhere in the literature. Topics covered include: an overview of the contexts of behaviour; a comparison of blind strategies and tactical decision-making; social cognition; a review of intentionalist interpretations of behaviour; kinship; language and its social implications; and the constraints of culture. Primate Behaviour will be of interest to senior undergraduate and graduate students, as well as to researchers in the fields of biological and social anthropology, primatology, psychology, behavioural science and evolutionary biology.
• First title in a new primatology initiative in the CSBA series • Stimulating and challenging topic • Broad appeal across disciplines
Contents
1. Introduction; 2. The contexts of behaviour; 3. Emphasizing individual benefits: blind strategies; 4. Emphasizing individual benefits: tactical decisions; 5. Cognition; 6. Social cognition; 7. Intentionalist interpretations of behaviour; 8. Kinship in the social domain; 9. Kinship and marriage; 10. The constraints of culture; 11. Language and its social implications; References; Index.
Reviews
‘ … a useful synthesis of the current state of cognitive primatology, as seen through experienced anthropological eyes.’ W. C. McGrew, Nature
‘ … this work is a must read for anyone interested in primate and human societies. It offers a new and dynamic approach to primate communication … I highly recommend this book.’ European Sociobiological Society Newsletter
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