The Evolution and Function of Cognition
“The book presents the author’s ambitious attempt to formulate a general theory of how all animals (from the most primitive to the most complex, hence humans included) deal with their environment.” Review of The Evolution and Function of Cognition. by Schaeken, Walter from Experimental Psychology. 2005 No Month Specified Vol 52(2) 165-166 Reviews the book […]
“The book presents the author’s ambitious attempt to formulate a general theory of how all animals (from the most primitive to the most complex, hence humans included) deal with their environment.”
Review of
The Evolution and Function of Cognition.
by Schaeken, Walter
from Experimental Psychology. 2005 No Month Specified Vol 52(2) 165-166
Reviews the book “The Evolution and Function of Cognition”, by Felix E. Goodson (see record 2002-18107-000). The book presents the author’s ambitious attempt to formulate a general theory of how all animals (from the most primitive to the most complex, hence humans included) deal with their environment.
In the first chapters, he lays down the foundation of his theory, which consists of two postulates and one corollary. The postulate of process states that all overt or covert activity serves the immediate function of impelling the organism toward equilibrium.
The second fundamental postulate, the postulate of inference, states that every attribute that has remained characteristic of a species for an enduring period contributes (or once contributed) to the survival of the genetic material.
Goodson’s enterprise is admirable and inspiring: He tries to construct a complete theory of cognition on the basis of simple basic principles, whereby an evolutionary perspective is guiding the effort. Although this endeavour definitely is stimulating, the reviewer notes some reservations (writing style, handling of references, and suitability for particular readers) despite an overall favorable review of this book. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2005 APA, all rights reserved)
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William James http://www.authorama.com/meaning-of-truth-2.html”The function of cognition”?
