Description

Title: On Deep History and the Brain
Author/Publisher: Daniel Lord Smail, University of California Press
Publication Year: 2007
Format: 286-page Hardcover with Dust Jacket

Synopsys: "On Deep History and the Brain" by Daniel Lord Smail is an innovative take on the history of civilization that breaks away from traditional accounts that start with written history. Instead, Smail explores the idea of deep history which covers millions of years of human evolution. With a particular focus on neuroscience, Smail proposes that our habits and behaviors, emotions and motivations all have deep historical roots and that mental activity significantly influences social, political, and economic systems. He explores how biological influences from our ancestral past shape our histories and societies today. Through a compelling intertwining of biology and history, Smail suggests a new approach to human history which provides a better understanding of our species and ourselves.

Synopsis

In 'On Deep History and the Brain', Daniel Lord Smail presents a compelling work of historiography that challenges conventional historical narratives. Moving beyond accounts that typically commence with the dawn of written records, Smail champions a 'deep history' approach, encompassing millions of years of human evolution.

This non-fiction work delves into the expansive sweep of human development, exploring how biological and neurological factors have shaped our species over vast timescales. Smail proposes an innovative framework for understanding human behaviour and societal evolution, grounded in a much longer historical perspective.

The book positions itself as a significant contribution to world history, urging scholars and readers alike to reconsider the origins and enduring patterns of human activity by integrating insights from various disciplines into a cohesive historical analysis.

• Redefining History's Scope: Smail critically examines the limitations of history constrained by written documentation, advocating for an expanded view that integrates archaeological, anthropological, and biological evidence to trace human origins and development across geological eras.
• The Neuroscientific Dimension: A central tenet of the book is its focus on the brain. Smail explores how neuroscientific understanding can illuminate the deep historical roots of human habits, emotions, and motivations, offering new perspectives on what it means to be human over the long term.

As a first edition, 'On Deep History and the Brain' stands as a pivotal text for those interested in the grand narrative of human existence and the innovative methodologies shaping contemporary historiography. Its intellectual rigour and bold propositions make it a significant acquisition for any serious library.

Condition

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