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Books > Social sciences > Psychology > Philosophy & theory of psychology > Behavioural theory (Behaviourism)

How Behavior Spreads - The Science of Complex Contagions (Paperback): Damon Centola How Behavior Spreads - The Science of Complex Contagions (Paperback)
Damon Centola
R703 Discovery Miles 7 030 Ships in 9 - 17 working days

A new, counterintuitive theory for how social networks influence the spread of behavior New social movements, technologies, and public-health initiatives often struggle to take off, yet many diseases disperse rapidly without issue. Can the lessons learned from the viral diffusion of diseases improve the spread of beneficial behaviors and innovations? How Behavior Spreads presents over a decade of original research examining how changes in societal behavior-in voting, health, technology, and finance-occur and the ways social networks can be used to influence how they propagate. Damon Centola's startling findings show that the same conditions that accelerate the viral expansion of an epidemic unexpectedly inhibit the spread of behaviors. How Behavior Spreads is a must-read for anyone interested in how the theory of social networks can transform our world.

Romantic Jealousy - Causes, Symptoms, Cures (Paperback, 2nd Revised edition): Ayala Malach Pines Romantic Jealousy - Causes, Symptoms, Cures (Paperback, 2nd Revised edition)
Ayala Malach Pines
R1,498 Discovery Miles 14 980 Ships in 10 - 15 working days


Based on 12 years of research on jealousy in romantic relationships, Dr. Pines offers real-life vignettes and practical advice to help readers assess their own jealousy quotient and to help them control their jealous urges.

Brain, Behaviour and Evolution (Hardcover): David A. Oakley, H.C. Plotkin Brain, Behaviour and Evolution (Hardcover)
David A. Oakley, H.C. Plotkin
R4,078 Discovery Miles 40 780 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

Originally published in 1979, this book provides students with an example of the ways in which an evolutionary perspective can rephrase and clarify traditional questions and issues in psychology. The format provides the student firstly with the minimal amount of basic information in neuroanatomy, genetics and modern evolutionary theory in a form which is readily related to the remainder of the volume. The book then goes on to consider the relationships between different forms of explanation in biology, and the role of brain behaviour students in these relationships. Finally, the reader is given an opportunity to follow the reasoning which stems from a biological approach when applied to topics in human behaviour such as learning, dreaming, sleeping, exploration, anxiety, reasoning, intelligence and consciousness. Modern evolutionary biology places man in a broader context than does traditional psychology, and this new perspective reduces our tendency to view life solely from a human standpoint. The significance as well as the uniqueness of some traditionally 'human' attributes are challenged by this approach.

The Complex PTSD Workbook - A Mind-Body Approach to Regaining Emotional Control and Becoming Whole (Paperback): Arielle Schwartz The Complex PTSD Workbook - A Mind-Body Approach to Regaining Emotional Control and Becoming Whole (Paperback)
Arielle Schwartz; Foreword by Jim Knipe
R408 Discovery Miles 4 080 Ships in 18 - 22 working days
Behavioral Economics and Public Health (Paperback): Christina A Roberto, Ichiro Kawachi Behavioral Economics and Public Health (Paperback)
Christina A Roberto, Ichiro Kawachi
R3,085 Discovery Miles 30 850 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

Behavioral economics has potential to offer novel solutions to some of today's most pressing public health problems: How do we persuade people to eat healthy and lose weight? How can health professionals communicate health risks in a way that is heeded? How can food labeling be modified to inform healthy food choices? Behavioral Economics and Public Health is the first book to apply the groundbreaking insights of behavioral economics to the persisting problems of health behaviors and behavior change. In addition to providing a primer on the behavioral economics principles that are most relevant to public health, this book offers details on how these principles can be employed to mitigating the world's greatest health threats, including obesity, smoking, risky sexual behavior, and excessive drinking. With contributions from an international team of scholars from psychology, economics, marketing, public health, and medicine, this book is a trailblazing new approach to the most difficult and important problems of our time.

Inner Life of Children with Special Needs (Paperback): V. Varma Inner Life of Children with Special Needs (Paperback)
V. Varma
R1,902 Discovery Miles 19 020 Ships in 18 - 22 working days

Speech and language therapists are becoming increasingly involved in working with people who have progressive neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease. This management pack encompasses initial assessment, regular reviews, support for both client and carer and the possibility of individual or group therapy. The programme is designed to give a framework for setting up and running a comprehensive speech/language therapy service for those with Parkinson's disease and related conditions. The first section considers some theoretical issues associated with Parkinson's disease and Parkinsonism explaining terminology and common drugs used for these conditions. It also describes the management programme insome detail, and gives suggestions for increasing referral rates to speech/language therapy. The second section provides all the information needed to run the course, including helpful hints on do's and don'ts, a timetable of all the necessary activities and photocopiable standard letters and forms. The final section is the information pack that is given to participants. It includes exercises to improve facial expression, breathing, volume of voice, speed of speech and stress, intonation and some ideas to help eating and drinking.

Having Reasons - An Essay on Rationality and Sociality (Paperback): Frederic Schick Having Reasons - An Essay on Rationality and Sociality (Paperback)
Frederic Schick
R1,053 Discovery Miles 10 530 Ships in 18 - 22 working days

This important contribution to choice theory examines two theories of motivation and two kinds of explanation of behavior that they support.

Originally published in 1984.

The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These paperback editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

Gene-Culture Interactions - Toward an Explanatory Framework (Paperback): Heewon Kwon, Joni Y. Sasaki Gene-Culture Interactions - Toward an Explanatory Framework (Paperback)
Heewon Kwon, Joni Y. Sasaki
R585 Discovery Miles 5 850 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

Examining the interconnections between genes and culture is crucial for a more complete understanding of psychological processes. Genetic predispositions may predict different outcomes depending on one's cultural context, and culture may predict different outcomes depending on genetic predispositions - that is, genes and culture interact. Less is understood, however, about how genes and culture interact, or the psychological mechanisms through which gene-culture interactions occur. In this Element, Heewon Kwon and Joni Y. Sasaki review key findings and theories in gene-culture interaction research. They then go on to discuss current issues and future directions in gene-culture research that may illuminate the path toward an explanatory framework.

Ripple - The big effects of small behaviour changes in business (Paperback): Jez Groom, April Vellacott Ripple - The big effects of small behaviour changes in business (Paperback)
Jez Groom, April Vellacott
R391 Discovery Miles 3 910 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

How do you get people who work in pig abattoirs to wash their hands? How does painting the walls of a canteen pink make construction workers behave more safely? And how can baby faces spray painted onto shop shutters reduce anti-social behaviour? Ripple is about how small behaviour changes can have wide-reaching effects in the real world. By applying behavioural science in your working life, you can have positive ripple effects on the world around you. While nudging is now commonplace in politics, most of our daily interactions with companies, products, and services have not yet been transformed with behavioural science. Doing so is often a messy process but, armed with this book, you'll have the practical toolkit to get started. Through storytelling and practical tips, Ripple takes you on a journey across the globe which will leave you inspired to start applying behavioural science to improve the world around you.

The Cambridge Handbook of Violent Behavior and Aggression (Paperback, 2nd Revised edition): Alexander T. Vazsonyi, Daniel J.... The Cambridge Handbook of Violent Behavior and Aggression (Paperback, 2nd Revised edition)
Alexander T. Vazsonyi, Daniel J. Flannery, Matt DeLisi
R1,871 Discovery Miles 18 710 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

The Cambridge Handbook of Violent Behavior and Aggression presents the current state of knowledge related to the study of violent behaviors and aggression. An important extension of the first Handbook published ten years ago, the second edition maintains a distinctly cross-disciplinary focus by representing the newest scholarship and insights from behavior genetics, cross-cultural comparative psychology/criminology, evolutionary psychology, criminal justice, criminology, human development, molecular genetics, neurosciences, psychology, prevention and intervention sciences, psychiatry, psychopharmacology, public health, and sociology. The Handbook is divided into introductory and overview chapters on the study of violent behavior and aggression, followed by chapters on biosocial bases, individual and interpersonal factors, contextual factors, and prevention and intervention work and policy implications. It is an essential resource for researchers, scholars, and graduate students across social and behavioral science disciplines interested in the etiology, intervention, and prevention of violent behavior and aggression.

Controlling your Class - A Teacher's Guide to Managing Classroom Behavior (Paperback): B McPhillimy Controlling your Class - A Teacher's Guide to Managing Classroom Behavior (Paperback)
B McPhillimy
R1,778 Discovery Miles 17 780 Ships in 18 - 22 working days

This book is about the management of pupils behaviour in the classroom. The author provides a short, readable set of ideas and guidelines that a busy student or teacher can relate to her or his own experience, and put into practice. The author combines control theories and his own teaching experiences into a new approach: the Behavioural, Reflective, Relationship approach. This approach reconciles and combines behavioural and combines behavioral and cognitive ideas on classroom control in a practical way for teachers. The author is directive and down-to-earth in his advice throughout the book. However, discussion questions at the end of each chapter allow exploration of main themes and will help each reader to adapt the ideas and suggestions for their own use. As well as offering guidance, the book is intended to help teachers address the feelings of anxiety and guilt which often attend difficulties in this area. This practical handbook is a revised and extended version of a trial edition successfully used with both primary and secondary teaching students in several teacher education establishments.

Comments on this trial edition: I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who is serious about dealing with issues involving class control I have searched for this kind of book and I feel [the writer] has found a gap in the market he befriends the reader. (Newly qualified primary teacher, Edinburgh, in first post) Its attraction for students and teachers should lie in its close feel for classroom practice and experience a thoughtful publication of real practical value. (Secondary teacher / university PGCE tutor, Northern Ireland) I wish this book had been around when I started myteaching career in an accessible form [the writer] has ensured that tomorrows teachers do not start their careers burdened by half-truths which would serve only to reduce confidence and self-esteem. (College tutor, Dundee) It has been decided to adopt the above text. (University B.Ed. tutor, Glasgow).

The Impact of Behavioral Sciences on Criminal Law (Hardcover): Nita Farahany The Impact of Behavioral Sciences on Criminal Law (Hardcover)
Nita Farahany
R2,488 Discovery Miles 24 880 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

The Impact of Behavioral Genetics on Criminal Law is essential reading for anyone interested in the ongoing genomics and neuroscience revolution and its implications for criminal law. Building in part on a recent multi-disciplinary conference, this collection of essays offers a comprehensive discussion of the ramifications of behavioral sciences in criminal cases and brings together the leading behavioral geneticists, neuroscientists, philosophers, policymakers, and legal scholars to address the multi-faceted concerns at issue. Together, the essays in this volume discuss the scientific progress and limitations in behavioral science research relating to criminal conduct, and the ethical concerns and practical implications of introducing behavioral science evidence into criminal cases. Included is a detailed discussion of criminal cases in which biological and neurological predisposition testimony has been introduced, the implications for criminal responsibility and punishment, the consequences for DNA databank research, new directions in predictions of future dangerousness, and the concerns for ethnic and racial minorities arising from this research.

A Science of Decision Making - The Legacy of Ward Edwards (Hardcover): Jie W. Weiss, David J Weiss A Science of Decision Making - The Legacy of Ward Edwards (Hardcover)
Jie W. Weiss, David J Weiss
R2,290 Discovery Miles 22 900 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

Ward Edwards is well known as the father of behavioral decision making. In his 1954 Psychological Bulletin paper on decision making, he brought psychological ideas into what had been the province of economists. His influence in this realm is so pervasive that the Nobel committee was able to trace a direct path from Edwards's work to Daniel Kahneman's 2002 Prize for prospect theory. In a 1963 Psychological Review paper, Edwards brought Bayesian statistics to the attention of psychologists, who have continued to proliferate Bayesian ideas, underscoring the importance of the perspective. In a 1962 IEEE paper, Edwards foresaw how the world of intelligence gathering and analysis could by transformed by systems in which humans provided (subjective) probabilities and machines provided computational power. He also showed, in a 1986 book written with Detlof von Winterfeldt, how multiattribute utility analysis could help real-world decision makers generate satisfactory solutions to complex problems.
In this book, 29 of Ward Edwards's most important published papers are reprinted, a selection that spans six decades, allowing the reader to see how this strikingly creative thinker generated many of the ideas that are now core beliefs among current researchers. It is perhaps less well known that Edwards continued to make substantial contributions during the years after his retirement. Illness reduced his public appearances, but he continued his incisive thinking behind the scenes. At the time of his passing, he was involved in several projects, and seven new papers from these projects were completed for this book by his last set of collaborators.
Edwards's papers are a treat to read. His prose is the model of elegant simplicity, yet full of style and wit. With each paper, the editors have included a short introduction that presents Edwards's reflections on the content or impact of the older papers, or describes the creation of the new ones. Obituaries written by former students and colleagues flesh out the human side of this remarkable scholar.

Friendly Fire - The Accidental Shootdown of U.S. Black Hawks over Northern Iraq (Paperback, Revised): Scott A. Snook Friendly Fire - The Accidental Shootdown of U.S. Black Hawks over Northern Iraq (Paperback, Revised)
Scott A. Snook
R1,110 R1,050 Discovery Miles 10 500 Save R60 (5%) Ships in 9 - 17 working days

On April 14, 1994, two U.S. Air Force F-15 fighters accidentally shot down two U.S. Army Black Hawk Helicopters over Northern Iraq, killing all twenty-six peacekeepers onboard. In response to this disaster the complete array of military and civilian investigative and judicial procedures ran their course. After almost two years of investigation with virtually unlimited resources, no culprit emerged, no bad guy showed himself, no smoking gun was found. This book attempts to make sense of this tragedy--a tragedy that on its surface makes no sense at all.

With almost twenty years in uniform and a Ph.D. in organizational behavior, Lieutenant Colonel Snook writes from a unique perspective. A victim of friendly fire himself, he develops individual, group, organizational, and cross-level accounts of the accident and applies a rigorous analysis based on behavioral science theory to account for critical links in the causal chain of events. By explaining separate pieces of the puzzle, and analyzing each at a different level, the author removes much of the mystery surrounding the shootdown. Based on a grounded theory analysis, Snook offers a dynamic, cross-level mechanism he calls "practical drift"--the slow, steady uncoupling of practice from written procedure--to complete his explanation.

His conclusion is disturbing. This accident happened because, or perhaps in spite of everyone behaving just the way we would expect them to behave, just the way theory would predict. The shootdown was a normal accident in a highly reliable organization.

Behavioral Biology of Laboratory Animals (Hardcover): Kristine Coleman, Steven J. Schapiro Behavioral Biology of Laboratory Animals (Hardcover)
Kristine Coleman, Steven J. Schapiro
R5,589 Discovery Miles 55 890 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

Offers the first comprehensive resource to document the particular needs of a given species in captivity. Each species is dealt with by specialists who are fully familiar with their animals, writing to a consistent template to facilitate easy navigation. Each chapter in Part 2 addresses specific species-typical behaviours associated with pain and distress. The third section contains a series of easy reference ethograms that will aid understanding, and potentially quantification of i.e., baboon, bird, or bovine behavior. The book will be useful not only in laboratory settings, but any situation where an animal is kept in captivity, from veterinary clinics to zoos and sanctuaries. Edited by internationally recognized experts in animal behaviour and behavioural management.

States of Denial - Knowing about Atocities and Suffering (Paperback): S Cohen States of Denial - Knowing about Atocities and Suffering (Paperback)
S Cohen
R613 Discovery Miles 6 130 Ships in 9 - 17 working days

Blocking out, turning a blind eye, shutting off, not wanting to know, wearing blinkers, seeing what we want to see ... these are all expressions of 'denial'. Alcoholics who refuse to recognize their condition, people who brush aside suspicions of their partner's infidelity, the wife who doesn't notice that her husband is abusing their daughter - are supposedly 'in denial'. Governments deny their responsibility for atrocities, and plan them to achieve 'maximum deniability'. Truth Commissions try to overcome the suppression and denial of past horrors. Bystander nations deny their responsibility to intervene.

Do these phenomena have anything in common? When we deny, are we aware of what we are doing or is this an unconscious defence mechanism to protect us from unwelcome truths? Can there be cultures of denial? How do organizations like Amnesty and Oxfam try to overcome the public's apparent indifference to distant suffering and cruelty? Is denial always so bad - or do we need positive illusions to retain our sanity?

"States of Denial" is the first comprehensive study of both the personal and political ways in which uncomfortable realities are avoided and evaded. It ranges from clinical studies of depression, to media images of suffering, to explanations of the 'passive bystander' and 'compassion fatigue'. The book shows how organized atrocities - the Holocaust and other genocides, torture, and political massacres - are denied by perpetrators and by bystanders, those who stand by and do nothing.

Strategies and Tactics of Behavioral Research and Practice (Hardcover, 4th edition): James M Johnston, Henry S. Pennypacker,... Strategies and Tactics of Behavioral Research and Practice (Hardcover, 4th edition)
James M Johnston, Henry S. Pennypacker, Gina Green
R5,104 Discovery Miles 51 040 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

Strategies and Tactics of Behavioral Research and Practice focuses on the most effective methods for measuring and evaluating changes in behavior. The authors provide the rationale for different procedures for measuring behavior and designing within-subject comparisons between control and intervention conditions. The text explains the strengths and weaknesses of methodological alternatives for every topic so that behavioral researchers and practitioners can make the best decisions in each situation. This classic text has been extensively revised to be more accessible and practical. Not only does it feature much more discussion of how research methods are relevant to today's practitioners, it also includes additional examples based on field research and service delivery scenarios. With expanded coverage on creating experimental designs, as well as new chapters on behavioral assessment, the statistical analysis of data, and ethical issues associated with research methods, this book provides a strong foundation for direct behavioral measurement, within-subject research design, and interpretation of behavioral interventions. Enriched with more pedagogical features, including key terms, tables summarizing important points, figures to help readers visualize text, and updated examples and suggested readings, this book is an invaluable resource for students taking courses in research methods. This book is appropriate for researchers and practitioners in behavior analysis, psychology, education, social work, and other social and health science programs that address questions about behavior in research or practice settings.

The Economy of Esteem - An Essay on Civil and Political Society (Hardcover): Geoffrey Brennan, Philip Pettit The Economy of Esteem - An Essay on Civil and Political Society (Hardcover)
Geoffrey Brennan, Philip Pettit
R1,661 Discovery Miles 16 610 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

This book argues that people care about the opinion that others hold of them, and that the actions they take to raise the esteem they enjoy produce social patterns which, in turn, affect individual economic behaviour. Written by an economist and a philosopher, Part One introduces the concept of human beings as esteem-seeking, esteem-giving creatures and points the way towards an economy of esteem. Part Two illustrates that economy in practice, while Part Three considers how we might hope to mobilize the forces of esteem in a well-designed political and social order.

Simple Treatments for Complex Problems - A Flexible Cognitive Behavior Analysis System Approach To Psychotherapy (Hardcover):... Simple Treatments for Complex Problems - A Flexible Cognitive Behavior Analysis System Approach To Psychotherapy (Hardcover)
Kimberly A Driscoll, Kelly C. Cukrowicz, Maureen Lyons Reardon, Thomas E. Joiner Jr, Thomas E. Joiner
R3,936 Discovery Miles 39 360 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

The Cognitive Behavioural Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP) is a set of techniques proven to be efficacious in the treatment of chronic depression. This book describes ways in which it can be extended in the treatment of patients with a variety of psychological disorders and difficulties.

Intro Animal Behaviour - Intro Animal Behaviour (Paperback, 1st Ed): Manning, Dawkins Intro Animal Behaviour - Intro Animal Behaviour (Paperback, 1st Ed)
Manning, Dawkins
R82 Discovery Miles 820 Ships in 4 - 6 working days
Motivation and Emotion (Paperback, New): Philip Gorman Motivation and Emotion (Paperback, New)
Philip Gorman
R1,225 Discovery Miles 12 250 Ships in 10 - 15 working days


Motivation and Emotion provides an explanation of emotional experience and aspects of human behaviour using psychological, physiological and alternative approaches. The brain mechanisms that govern motivations are discussed and questions such as 'Why don't we eat ourselves to death?' and 'How do we know we are thirsty?' are answered.
Phil Gorman is an A-Level teacher at Stafford College, UK, and a chief examiner for the Edexcel A Level Examination Board.
The Routledge Modular Psychology series is a completely new approach to introductory level psychology, tailor-made for the new modular style of teaching. Each book covers a topic in more detail than any large text-book can, allowing teacher and student to select material exactly to suit any particular course or project. Especially written for those students new to higher-level study, whether at school. College or university, the books include the following designed features to help with technique:

* Practise essays with specialist commentary to show how to achieve a higher grade
* Chapter summaries and summaries of key research
* Glossary and further reading
* Progress and review exercises

Related link: A-Level Psychology Website
Related link: Available for Inspection
Related link: Free Email Alerting

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Chronic Medical Problems - A Guide to Assessment & Treatment in Practice (Paperback): C. A.... Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Chronic Medical Problems - A Guide to Assessment & Treatment in Practice (Paperback)
C. A. White
R2,253 Discovery Miles 22 530 Ships in 18 - 22 working days

The treatment of physical health problems is increasingly supplemented by psychological therapy, particularly in connection with long term treatment and the management of chronic or intractable problems. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is now recognised as the most effective approach for a wide range of mental and physical disorders, e.g. the treatment of anxiety/depressive disorders, management of pain and treatment of the psychological problems associated with cancer.
Although there are other books available on CBT for mental health problems and some which focus more generally on psychological management aspects of medical problems, this is the first to provide a general introduction to the methods and clincial application of CBT for the problems experienced by patients with chronic pain, cardiac disorders, surgical problems, diabetes, cancer and skin problems.
This book outlines how cognitive behavioural assessment, formulation and intervention strategies can be tailored to chronic medical problems. Formulation diagrams and extracts from treatment sessions are included. Professional and service development issues are covered in separate chapters. Some helpful self report measures are included as Appendices.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Chronic Medical Problems is a concise and accessible clinical text. It assumes some basic knowledge and practical experience of CBT and enables the reader to understand and tailor their practice to the needs of physically ill patients.

"Dr White has written an exceptional book. With a solid theoretical basis, this clearly written and useful book does an impressive job of instructing the reader in formulating cases at a macro and micro level and in using this formulation to plan therapy and select interventions for patients with various chronic medical problems. Even clinicians that primarily do not treat medical patients will benefit from studying this book."
Dr Judith S. Beck, Director, The Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy and Research, Philadelphia, USA, and Clinical Associate Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, USA.

Anxiety, Depression, and Emotion (Hardcover): Richard J. Davidson Anxiety, Depression, and Emotion (Hardcover)
Richard J. Davidson
R1,932 Discovery Miles 19 320 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

This unique volume focuses on the relationship between basic research in emotion and emotional dysfunction in depression and anxiety. Each chapter is authored by a highly regarded scientist who looks at both psychological and biological implications of research relevant to psychiatrists and psychologists. And following each chapter is engaging commentary that raises questions, illuminates connections with other bodies of work, and provides points of integration across different research traditions. Topics range from stress, cognitive functioning, and personality to affective style and behavioral inhibition, and the book as a whole has significant implications for understanding and treating anxiety disorders.

Beyond Behaviorism (Paperback): Vicki L. Lee Beyond Behaviorism (Paperback)
Vicki L. Lee
R1,296 Discovery Miles 12 960 Ships in 10 - 15 working days

Originally published in 1988, this title explores and contrasts means and ends psychology with conventional psychology - that of stimuli and response. The author develops this comparison by exploring the general nature of psychological phenomena and clarifying many persistent doubts about psychology. She contrasts conventional psychology (stimuli and responses) involving reductionistic, organocentric, and mechanistic metatheory with alternative psychology (means and ends) that is autonomous, contextual, and evolutionary.

The Ambiguity of Play (Paperback, Revised): Brian Sutton-Smith The Ambiguity of Play (Paperback, Revised)
Brian Sutton-Smith
R1,172 Discovery Miles 11 720 Ships in 9 - 17 working days

Every child knows what it means to play, but the rest of us can merely speculate. Is it a kind of adaptation, teaching us skills, inducting us into certain communities? Is it power, pursued in games of prowess? Fate, deployed in games of chance? Daydreaming, enacted in art? Or is it just frivolity? Brian Sutton-Smith, a leading proponent of play theory, considers each possibility as it has been proposed, elaborated, and debated in disciplines from biology, psychology, and education to metaphysics, mathematics, and sociology.

Sutton-Smith focuses on play theories rooted in seven distinct "rhetorics"--the ancient discourses of Fate, Power, Communal Identity, and Frivolity and the modern discourses of Progress, the Imaginary, and the Self. In a sweeping analysis that moves from the question of play in child development to the implications of play for the Western work ethic, he explores the values, historical sources, and interests that have dictated the terms and forms of play put forth in each discourse's "objective" theory.

This work reveals more distinctions and disjunctions than affinities, with one striking exception: however different their descriptions and interpretations of play, each rhetoric reveals a quirkiness, redundancy, and flexibility. In light of this, Sutton-Smith suggests that play might provide a model of the variability that allows for "natural" selection. As a form of mental feedback, play might nullify the rigidity that sets in after successful adaption, thus reinforcing animal and human variability. Further, he shows how these discourses, despite their differences, might offer the components for a new social science of play.

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