La evolución de la agencia: Organización conductual desde lagartos hasta humanos

What is this book about?

Michael Tomasello, renowned evolutionary psychologist, examines the evolution of behavioral agency from reptiles to humans. Based on comparative research, the author proposes that agency—the capacity to act with intention—has developed throughout phylogeny. This book synthesizes decades of work on social cognition, cooperation, and communication.

What makes this book unique?

Unlike other titles on the evolution of the mind, Tomasello focuses on behavioral organization as a psychological phenomenon. He offers an integrative perspective that connects the behavior of lizards, birds, and primates with complex human agency. Readers highlight its clarity and depth.

About the author

Michael Tomasello is a professor of psychology at Duke University and co-director of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. His research on comparative cognition has been fundamental to understanding the development of human cooperation and communication.

What readers say

Readers note that the book helps to understand agency and the conscious mind as a 'toolbox' for planning. They also highlight its ability to address broad topics such as thought and intentionality in an accessible way.

Key topics explored

• Evolution of intentionality from lizards to humans
• Behavioral organization as the basis of agency
• Cross-species comparisons: reptiles, birds, mammals
• Implications for evolutionary psychology

Who is this book for?

Ideal for students and professionals in psychology, evolutionary biology, and cognitive sciences, as well as any reader interested in the origins of intentional behavior.