{"product_id":"the-machines-of-evolution-and-the-scope-of-meaning-hardcover","title":"The Machines of Evolution and the Scope of Meaning - Hardcover","description":"\u003cp\u003eby \u003cb\u003eGary Tomlinson\u003c\/b\u003e (Author)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA groundbreaking account of the origin and place of meaning in the earthly biosphere\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWhat is meaning? How does it arise? Where is it found in the world? In recent years, philosophers and scientists have answered these questions in different ways. Some see meaning as a uniquely human achievement, others extend it to trees, microbes, and even to the bonding of DNA and RNA molecules. In this groundbreaking book, Gary Tomlinson defines a middle path. Combining emergent thinking about evolution, new research on animal behaviors, and theories of information and signs, he tracks meaning far out into the animal world. At the same time he discerns limits to its scope and identifies innumerable life forms, including many animals and all other organisms, that make no meanings at all. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eTomlinson's map of meaning starts from signs, the fundamental units of reference or aboutness. Where signs are at work they shape meaning-laden lifeways, offering possibilities for distinctive organism\/niche interactions and sometimes leading to technology and culture. The emergence of meaning does not, however, monopolize complexity in the living world. Countless organisms generate awe-inspiring behavioral intricacies without meaning. \u003ci\u003eThe Machines of Evolution and the Scope of Meaning\u003c\/i\u003e offers a revaluation of both meaning and meaninglessness, uncovering a foundational difference in animal solutions to the hard problem of life.\u003ch3\u003eAuthor Biography\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGary Tomlinson\u003c\/b\u003e is Sterling Professor of Music and Humanities at Yale University and the author of books on music, culture, and evolution, including \u003ci\u003eA Million Years of Music: The Emergence of Human Modernity\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Pages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 328\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.1 x 9 x 6.2 IN\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIllustrated:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e February 28, 2023\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Books by splitShops","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47472797089970,"sku":"9781942130796","price":29.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0770\/3891\/1666\/files\/4568c4a1dd16726e31fa3b539f6b7ff6.webp?v=1779116018","url":"https:\/\/box.dadyminds.org\/products\/the-machines-of-evolution-and-the-scope-of-meaning-hardcover","provider":"DADYMINDS BOX","version":"1.0","type":"link"}