First published 2000
Alison Gopnik and her colleagues examine the remarkable learning abilities of infants and young children. The authors present discoveries from cognitive science that reveal how much babies already know and how rapidly they acquire new knowledge. They argue that humans evolved specifically for teaching and learning, making the learning drive our most crucial instinct. The book demonstrates how children use methods similar to those employed by scientists when investigating the world around them. Parents naturally engage in teaching behaviors that support this learning process. The authors connect these findings about child development to broader insights about adult mental capacities. Through accessible explanations and engaging examples, the book illuminates the inner mental lives of children while exploring fundamental questions about how minds work.
Genres: psychology, education, non-fiction, parenting, academic
Vibes: accessible, informative, thought-provoking
Tropes: educational, informative, scientific
279 pages · Paperback · Mariner Books