Jean-louis Dessalles

My research focuses on the quest for fundamental principles underlying the language faculty and its biological origins. I am particularly interested in the study of narrative interest and argumentative relevance, and in the conditions that make honest communication among selfish agents possible (to explain the evolutionary emergence of language).

See also:

Simplicity Theory visit: simplicitytheory.org

• Publications

• Scientific papers sorted by date and by topic
• Interviews in the media and popular science papers
• Talks (past and future)

 

• Books

La pertinence et ses origines cognitives nouvelles théories Hermes-sciences, Paris : 2008	Les origines de la culture : les origines du langage (avec P. Picq et B. Victorri) Le Pommier, Paris: 2006	Why We Talk The evolutionary origins of language Oxford University Press: 2007	Aux origines du langage Une histoire naturelle de la parole Hermes-sciences, Paris: 2000	L'ordinateur génétique Hermes-sciences, Paris: 1996

• See also:

• Original theoretical results

• My visit to Budongo Conservation Field Station, where I could observe chimpanzees in the wild

• Tutorial on Simplicity Theory

• Enseignement

• Scientific organisation

• My scientific favourites