Arik Kershenbaum: The Evolution of Communication in Animals and Humans | Episode 115

In this episode, I talk with Cambridge zoologist Arik Kershenbaum about why communication evolved in animals and humans. We explore how social structure, status, needs, movement, distance, environment, emotions, sense of self and other, theory of mind, genetic relatedness, technology, ideas, words, language, and the senses shape the way we communicate.We also discuss interspecies communication, pets, plants, gossip, names, autism, mental illness, other minds, information media (books, radio, etc.), language breakdown, variation in language abilities, fighting, isolation, and anthropomorphism.Learn more about how wolves, dolphins, parrots, hyraxes, gibbons, chimpanzees, humans, and other species communicate in Arik’s latest book, Why Animals Talk. RESOURCESBOOKSAlex and Me by Irene PepperbergHarry Potter by J.K. RowlingThe Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy by Arik Kershenbaum Why Animals Talk by Arik Kershenbaum PAPERS Epiphenomenal Qualia by Frank JacksonWhat Is It Like to Be a Bat? by Thomas NagelPEOPLEAlex (parrot)Irene PepperbergJ.K. RowlingRick McIntyreTemple GrandinConnect and Learn MoreSearch "Arik Kershenbaum" to find his books, podcast interviews, TV appearances, and more.