The Extended Self

Architecture, Memes and Minds

Chris Abel, Bethan Hirst

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English

Manchester Univ. Press
13 November 2014

Theory of architecture; Philosophy

In his wide-ranging study of architecture and cultural evolution, Chris Abel argues that, despite progress in sustainable development and design, resistance to changing personal and social identities shaped by a technology-based and energy-hungry culture is impeding efforts to avert drastic climate change. The book traces the roots of that culture to the coevolution of Homo sapiens and technology, from the first use of tools as artificial extensions to the human body, to the motorized cities spreading around the world, whose uncontrolled effects are changing the planet itself.

Advancing a new concept of the meme, called the 'technical meme,' as the primary agent of cognitive extension and technical embodiment, Abel proposes a theory of the 'extended self' encompassing material and spatial as well as psychological and social elements. Drawing upon research from philosophy, psychology and the neurosciences, the book presents a new approach to environmental and cultural studies that will appeal to a broad readership searching for insights into the origins of the crisis. -- .

By: Chris Abel
Other: Bethan Hirst
Imprint: Manchester Univ. Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 270mm, Width: 240mm, Spine: 20mm
Weight: 771g
ISBN: 9780719096129
ISBN 10: 071909612X
Pages: 416
Publication Date: 13 November 2014
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Introduction PART I 1. The common bond 2. The body nucleus 3. Embodied minds PART II 4. Technics and the human 5. Rethinking evolution 6. From genes to memes PART III 7. Types and taxonomies 8. Technical memes and assemblages 9. Combinatorial design PART IV 10. Recasting the extended self 11. Appropriating cyberspace Postscript Bibliography Index -- .

Chris Abel is an independent scholar and a member of the International Committee of Architectural Critics. He is the author of numerous works of architectural theory and criticism and has taught in major universities around the world

Reviews for The Extended Self: Architecture, Memes and Minds

'I have known Chris Abel for many years and I have always found his writing challenging and illuminating. This, his magnum opus, is an extensive and thought-provoking work. It is an admirable attempt to break free of accepted modes of thinking and brings a fresh line of enquiry to the symbiotic relationships between man, nature and technology. No single discipline has the answer to the world's environmental crisis and Chris brings an encyclopedic knowledge to bear on its origins, exploring the concept of the extended self through philosophy, literature, genetics, architecture and cybernetics, weaving his way through many more interrelated subjects and issues to expound his theory.' Sir Norman Foster -- Sir Norman Foster.

Winner of Winner of the CICA Bruno Zevi Book Award 2017 2017 (UK)
Winner of Winner of the International Committee of Architectural Critics 2017 Bruno Zevi Book Award 2017 (UK)