The Meronomic Model of Cognitive Change and Its Application to Neolithic Çatalhöyük
Chris Thornton
Cambridge University Press eBooks February 22, 2020 DOI: 10.1017/9781108753616.010 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that attempts to link archaeological evidence, such as that from Çatalhöyük, to the emergence of consciousness and creativity must first settle precise definitions of these terms, which theorists dispute. Notes that some argue 'cognitive' lacks a precise meaning that would distinguish it from 'adaptive' and 'intelligent'. |
Abstract
T here is a natural desire to explain the development of cognitive phenomena that seem particularly characteristic of the human mind. Creativity is a case in point, consciousness another. A recent archaeological project has attempted to understand evidence from the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük in relation to the emergence of both consciousness and creativity at the dawn of settled life. This project faces the need to settle on a precise understanding of what is meant by the terms in question. But theorists differ as to what this understanding should be. And there are deeper disputes relating to cognition in general. What the term ‘cognitive’ signifies continues to be debated, with some arguing that it has no precise meaning that would differentiate it from terms such as ‘adaptive’ and ‘intelligent’.