The Human as Animal Symbolicum: Origins of Symbolic Function (Social Interaction in Learning and Development)

This book renews the concept of the symbolic function, exploring human capacity to create and utilize symbols, semiotic systems, and realities. It offers a unique theoretical perspective on the early psychological growth of children, focusing on the symbolic function's role in their development . In this sense, it offer new conception of the emergence of symbolic function and language. It further presents detailed analyses of semiotic function manifestations and their integration around age three, signifying a child's entry into the "symbolic species" and its profound influence on overall mental development. This book deals with issues related to the symbolic function in general, as well as its origin and development. It further presents detailed analyses of semiotic function manifestations and their integration around age three, signifying a child's entry into the symbolic species and its profound influence on overall mental development. This text serves as a valuable academic resource for university teachers, researchers and students interested in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between cognitive, socio-emotional development, and social practices in the emergence of symbolic function in early childhood. Series Editors’ Preface Contents Part I Man as Animal Symbolicum 1 Symbolic Function Introduction Formal Peculiarities of Semiotics Individual Distinctive Features of Semiotics Linguistic Structure Psychological Study of Symbolic Function Symbolic Function 2 Hints of the Symbolic Function in Animals Semiotic Analysis of Communication Systems in Animals Sensorimotor Intelligence of Anthropoids Experimental Speech Learning in Chimpanzees 3 The Beginnings of the Symbolic Functions in Children Introduction Child's Early Social Development and Symbolic Function Sensorimotor Intelligence of the Child and the Emergence of the Symbolic Function The First Semiotic Behaviors Beginnings of Symbolic Function 4 Basic Directions of Development of the Symbolic Function Development of Symbolic Systems Increasing Autonomy of Semiotic Means Development of Iconic Semiotic Systems Adoption of the Language System Symbolic Function and Thought Social and Private Symbolic Systems Cultural Development of the Child Summary: Man as Animal Symbolicum Notes References Part II The New Discoveries 5 Old Problems in the Light of New Discoveries Prologue Significant News Relevant for the Problems this Book Deals with The Social Brain Social Neuroscience SMN—System of Mirror Neurons Theory of Mind (ToM) New Methods of Examining the Brain Reviews Symbolic Function Hints of Symbolic Function in Animals Cognitive Development: Sensorimotor Intelligence and the Emergence of Symbolic Function Pre-semiotic Communication in Ontogenesis12 Emergence of Symbolic Function Language Acquisition Stabilization of Symbolic Function in Ontogenesis Further Development of the Symbolic Function: The Symbolic Play Model Epilogue: Symbolic Function—Ontogenesis, Meaning, Significance Notes References