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The algebraic logic of kinship terminology structures

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 December 2010

Dwight W. Read
Dwight W. Read
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA 90095. dread@anthro.ucla.edu
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Abstract

Jones' proposed application of Optimality Theory assumes the primary kinship data are genealogical definitions of kin terms. This, however, ignores the fact that these definitions can be predicted from the computational, algebralike structural logic of kinship terminologies, as has been discussed and demonstrated in numerous publications. The richness of human kinship systems derives from the cultural knowledge embedded in kinship terminologies as symbolic computation systems, not the post hoc constraints devised by Jones.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 33 , Issue 5 , October 2010 , pp. 399 - 401
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010

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References

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