Psychology and Cognitive Archaeology: An Interdisciplinary Approach to the Study of the Human Mind

Psychology and Cognitive Archaeology explores the interdisciplinary potential of using cognitive archaeology to explore key issues in contemporary psychology and other behavioral sciences. It features psychologists exploring archaeological data on themes such as tool use, child-rearing practices, gender and sexuality, sleep patterns, warfare, cultural practices, and the origins of religion, and includes an archaeologists perspective.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Psychology and Cognitive Archaeology is a groundbreaking exploration of the potential of using cognitive archaeology framing to delve into critical issues in contemporary psychology and other behavioral sciences. In this edited volume, psychologists delve into archaeological data related to various themes, including tool usage, child-rearing practices, gender and sexuality expressions, sleep patterns, warfare, cultural practices, and the origins of religion. Other chapters explore cognitive archaeological methods, the history of evolutionary approaches in psychology, and philosophical considerations to illustrate the interdisciplinary nature of the relationship between archaeology and psychology.

As a complementary perspective, the book also features an archaeologist's viewpoint on these same topical matters, as well as robust introductory and concluding thoughts by the editors. This book is a must-read for students and scholars of psychology, particularly theoretical, social, cognitive, and evolutionary psychology, as well as philosophy, archaeology, and anthropology. It offers a wealth of insights and perspectives that will deepen our understanding of human behavior and its historical context.

The use of tools is one of the key themes explored in the book. Archaeological evidence suggests that early humans were skilled toolmakers and users, and this expertise played a crucial role in their survival and adaptation. Psychologists examine how tool usage relates to cognitive processes such as attention, memory, and problem-solving, and how it may have shaped the development of our cognitive abilities.

Child-rearing practices are another area of focus. Archaeological evidence reveals that early humans had complex social structures and child-rearing practices that differed from modern societies. Psychologists explore how these practices may have influenced the development of our social and emotional abilities, as well as our attachment styles and parenting strategies.

Gender and sexuality expressions are also explored in the book. Archaeological evidence suggests that early humans had diverse gender roles and sexual practices, which may have influenced the development of our own gender identities and sexual preferences. Psychologists examine how these expressions relate to cognitive processes such as perception, cognition, and socialization, and how they may have shaped our cultural norms and beliefs.

Sleep patterns are another area of interest in the book. Archaeological evidence suggests that early humans had different sleep patterns than modern humans, with shorter sleep episodes and more frequent awakenings. Psychologists explore how these sleep patterns may have influenced cognitive processes such as memory consolidation, attention, and problem-solving, as well as our physical and mental health.

Warfare is another theme explored in the book. Archaeological evidence suggests that early humans engaged in warfare, and this may have had profound effects on their cognitive and social development. Psychologists examine how warfare relates to cognitive processes such as decision-making, aggression, and socialization, and how it may have shaped the evolution of our social and political systems.

Cultural practices are also examined in the book. Archaeological evidence reveals that early humans had complex cultural practices that varied across different regions and time periods. Psychologists explore how these practices may have influenced cognitive processes such as perception, cognition, and socialization, as well as our cultural values and beliefs.

The origins of religion are also explored in the book. Archaeological evidence suggests that early humans had religious beliefs and practices, which may have played a crucial role in their social and psychological development. Psychologists examine how religious beliefs and practices relate to cognitive processes such as belief formation, motivation, and socialization, and how they may have shaped the evolution of our religious traditions and practices.

In addition to these thematic chapters, the book also includes chapters that explore cognitive archaeological methods, the history of evolutionary approaches in psychology, and relevant philosophical considerations. These chapters further illustrate the interdisciplinary nature of the relationship between archaeology and psychology and provide valuable insights into the potential benefits and challenges of integrating these two fields.

Overall, Psychology and Cognitive Archaeology is a groundbreaking work that demonstrates the potential of using cognitive archaeology framing to explore key issues in contemporary psychology and other behavioral sciences. It offers a wealth of insights and perspectives that will deepen our understanding of human behavior and its historical context, and it will be an invaluable resource for students and scholars of psychology, philosophy, archaeology, and anthropology.

Weight: 324g
Dimension: 154 x 232 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367516536