Paul B. Baltes

Various theoretical models in psychology and the social sciences have emphasized the social foundation of the mind and the role that social interactions play in cognitive functioning and its development. In this volume the metaphor used to capture this is interactive minds - a term chosen because it emphasizes social transaction and communication between minds without implying particular mechanisms or outcomes. For instance, we include in our conceptualization of interactive minds both internal and external forms of interaction with others. In addition, we emphasize that not all products of interacting minds are positive. . Besides focusing on the social foundation of cognition, Interactive Minds takes a life-span perspective, which is especially suitable for understanding interactive dynamics of behavior and human development. Each of the authors deals with a different topic and each presents a clear analysis of the basic dimensions of the problem. Among the issues addressed are biological-evolutionary aspects of cooperation, the role of social interaction in learning, the conceptualization of linguistic knowledge, peer problem solving, the psychological study of wisdom, gender dynamics, collaborative memory in adults and the elderly, cooperative construction of expert knowledge, and communities of practice in university study.

"This book focuses on the developmental analysis of brain-culture-environment dynamics and argues that this dynamic is interactive and reciprocal; brain and culture co-determine each other. As a whole, this book refutes any unidirectional conception of the brain-culture dynamic, as each is influenced by and modifies the other. To capture the ubiquitous reach and significance of the mutually dependent and co-productive brain-culture system, the metaphor of biocultural co-constructivism is invoked. Distinguished researchers from cognitive neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and developmental psychology review the evidence in their respective fields. A special focus of the book is its coverage of the entire human lifespan."--BOOK JACKET