Forum for European Philosophy Event | Singing Neanderthals? The Evolution of Music and Language

Tuesday 22 May, 6.30-8.00pm
Wolfson Theatre, New Academic Building, LSE

Steven Mithen, Professor of Early Prehistory and Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of Reading. He is the author of The Singing Neanderthals: The Origins of Music, Language, Mind, and Body

Chair: Kristina Musholt, LSE Fellow, Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method and Deputy Director of the Forum for European Philosophy

The relationship between music and language has been discussed by philosophers ever since Giambattista Vico in the 17th century, and probably before. Today many disciplines contribute to this debate, notably neuroscience and comparative ethology. This lecture will bring a perspective from archaeology, interpreting the artefacts and fossils of our extinct stone-age ancestors and relatives. It will find that they may have been singing long before they were speaking.

Podcasts of most FEP events are available online after the event. They can be accessed at www.philosophy-forum.org

All events are free and open to all without registration
For further information contact Juliana Cardinale: 020 7955 7539
J.Cardinale@lse.ac.uk

Forum for European Philosophy
Cowdray House, Room G.05, European Institute
London School of Economics, WC2A 2AE
www.philosophy-forum.org