Behavioral and Brain Sciences

Table of Contents - 2010 - Volume 33, Issue 05  

Open Peer Commentary

The algebraic logic of kinship terminology structures

Dwight W. Reada1

a1 Department of Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA 90095. dread@anthro.ucla.edu

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.

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