Evolutionary Psychology (the podcast) Language and Communication with Thom Scott-Phillips
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Sep 9, 2025 Thom Scott-Phillips, an expert in the evolution of communication and language, takes us on a fascinating journey through the nuances of human interaction. He explores if language itself is an adaptation and discusses the complexities of ostensive communication. The conversation dives into the intersection of art, language, and social dynamics, revealing how these fields influence our understanding of one another. Plus, Thom shares his passion for the lindy hop, drawing connections between dance and cultural expression.
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Assume Relevance When Interpreting Signals
- When interpreting an ostensive stimulus, assume the communicator intended relevance and search for the most relevant interpretation.
- Use that presumption to guide effortful processing instead of expecting encoded meanings.
Art Uses Communicative Relevance
- Contemporary art leverages the presumption of relevance by making stimuli that invite interpretation without prescribing a single meaning.
- Art's openness engages our mind-reading search and yields diverse, meaningful takeaways.
Attention Is A Social Commitment
- Drawing attention is a social commitment; failing to provide value harms reputation and future influence.
- This cost of attention likely shaped selection for reliable communicative behavior.
