| ID | 017723 |
| Call Number | 401.9/PIN |
| Title Proper | Stuff of thought |
| Other Title Information | Language as a window into human nature |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Pinker, Steven |
| Publication | New York, Penguin Books, 2008. |
| Description | ix, 499p Black and white spine |
| Note | In this book, Steven Pinker explains how the mind works by examining the way we use words. Pinker takes on scientific questions - such as how language affects thought, and which of our concepts are innate - as well as questions from the headlines and everyday life. How does a mind that evolved to think about rocks and plants and enemies think about love and physics and democracy? How can a choice of metaphors start a war, impeach a president or win an election? Why do people impose taboos on topics like sex, excretion and the divine? Why does the government care so much about dirty words? How do lobbyists bribe politicians? How do romantic comedies get such mileage out of the ambiguities of dating? Why do so many courtroom dramas hinge on disagreements about who really caused a person's death? Why have the last two American presidents gotten into trouble through the semantic niceties of their words? And why is bulk e-mail called spam?
Pinker shows us that language can really tell us unexpected and fascinating things about ourselves. |
| Standard Number | 9780141015477 |
| Price. Qualification | £10.99(Pb) |
| Classification Number | 401.9 |
| Key Words | IBDP ; TOK ; Language and languages - Philosophy ; Cognitive neuroscience ; Psycholinguistics |