Dor Shilton
@dorshilton.bsky.social
Postdoc Cohn Institute, Tel Aviv University
Research affiliate School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, Oxford University
Cultural evolution of music and ritual, human social evolution
https://www.dorshilton.com/
Research affiliate School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, Oxford University
Cultural evolution of music and ritual, human social evolution
https://www.dorshilton.com/
Reposted by Dor Shilton
interesting research on the history of music and religion
Our findings suggest that the scale and religiosity of collective action may be the most important explanatory factors for the prevalence of collective music-making, but other factors, like cultural loss and religious expertise, also play a role (see table for a summary of findings)
May 30, 2025 at 4:45 PM
interesting research on the history of music and religion
Reposted by Dor Shilton
Delighted to announce the publication of a collaborative effort, co-led by @limorraviv.bsky.social @mpi-nl.bsky.social, showcasing the ways in which researchers have made language evolution an empirical issue: A handbook of experimental approaches to the fascinating problem of language evolution 🧪
May 27, 2025 at 5:56 AM
Delighted to announce the publication of a collaborative effort, co-led by @limorraviv.bsky.social @mpi-nl.bsky.social, showcasing the ways in which researchers have made language evolution an empirical issue: A handbook of experimental approaches to the fascinating problem of language evolution 🧪
Reposted by Dor Shilton
New postdoc positions at the (DISI-affiliated) Center for Possible Minds at Indiana University.
Looking for scholars interested in interdisciplinary research on the nature of biological, artificial, and collective intelligence.
Please share widely!
indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/29547
Looking for scholars interested in interdisciplinary research on the nature of biological, artificial, and collective intelligence.
Please share widely!
indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/29547
Center for Possible Minds Postdoctoral Fellow
The Center for Possible Minds at Indiana University, Bloomington, invites applications for Postdoctoral Fellows to join its Program for Advanced Research in Diverse Intelligences. The fellowship provi...
indiana.peopleadmin.com
May 27, 2025 at 6:39 PM
New postdoc positions at the (DISI-affiliated) Center for Possible Minds at Indiana University.
Looking for scholars interested in interdisciplinary research on the nature of biological, artificial, and collective intelligence.
Please share widely!
indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/29547
Looking for scholars interested in interdisciplinary research on the nature of biological, artificial, and collective intelligence.
Please share widely!
indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/29547
Reposted by Dor Shilton
Kostas Kampourakis' "Darwin Mythology" book is a very interesting read. A strong cast of authors deconstruct myths and misunderstandings about Darwin. I particularly appreciated historian Erik Peterson's analysis of why Darwin's dislike of slavery does not equate to a belief in racial equality.
New episode (1097), my second interview with Dr. Kostas Kampourakis (@kampourakisk.bsky.social). We talk about his book, Darwin Mythology: Debunking Myths, Correcting Falsehoods. #Biology #Science
YouTube: youtu.be/LP5JxFryDKc
Podcast: bit.ly/3S5zllS
YouTube: youtu.be/LP5JxFryDKc
Podcast: bit.ly/3S5zllS
#1097 Kostas Kampourakis: Dunking Myths and Falsehoods About Charles Darwin
YouTube video by The Dissenter
youtu.be
May 27, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Kostas Kampourakis' "Darwin Mythology" book is a very interesting read. A strong cast of authors deconstruct myths and misunderstandings about Darwin. I particularly appreciated historian Erik Peterson's analysis of why Darwin's dislike of slavery does not equate to a belief in racial equality.
Many think that music evolved to promote social cohesion - but group singing and dancing is extremely rare in some societies. Why is that the case, and what does it mean?
Check out the new paper by me, Aniruddh Patel, Kim Hill, and @chrisvonrueden.bsky.social
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Check out the new paper by me, Aniruddh Patel, Kim Hill, and @chrisvonrueden.bsky.social
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Why collective music-making is sometimes rare: A study of four indigenous societies
Current prominent music evolution theories suggest music evolved as a participatory group activity, whose adaptive functions were strengthening and/or…
www.sciencedirect.com
May 27, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Many think that music evolved to promote social cohesion - but group singing and dancing is extremely rare in some societies. Why is that the case, and what does it mean?
Check out the new paper by me, Aniruddh Patel, Kim Hill, and @chrisvonrueden.bsky.social
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Check out the new paper by me, Aniruddh Patel, Kim Hill, and @chrisvonrueden.bsky.social
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Dor Shilton
My book SHAMANISM: THE TIMELESS RELIGION will be out on May 20, 2025! Shamanism characterized the earliest religions, echoes in often unappreciated ways in the world around us, and will long outlive us.
Pre-order it here: www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/730339...
Pre-order it here: www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/730339...
September 17, 2024 at 10:23 PM
My book SHAMANISM: THE TIMELESS RELIGION will be out on May 20, 2025! Shamanism characterized the earliest religions, echoes in often unappreciated ways in the world around us, and will long outlive us.
Pre-order it here: www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/730339...
Pre-order it here: www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/730339...
Reposted by Dor Shilton
Two new music papers by @dorshilton.bsky.social et al. (www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...) and by Steingo & Ghazanfar (doi.org/10.1177/2059...). Together with @manvir.bsky.social and Hill's recent paper (doi.org/10.1016/j.cu...), an interesting (partial) push back against musical universals...
Why collective music-making is sometimes rare: A study of four indigenous societies
Current prominent music evolution theories suggest music evolved as a participatory group activity, whose adaptive functions were strengthening and/or…
www.sciencedirect.com
May 26, 2025 at 3:30 AM
Two new music papers by @dorshilton.bsky.social et al. (www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...) and by Steingo & Ghazanfar (doi.org/10.1177/2059...). Together with @manvir.bsky.social and Hill's recent paper (doi.org/10.1016/j.cu...), an interesting (partial) push back against musical universals...
Reposted by Dor Shilton
How are humans able to make sense of time? Not with special biology but with “time tools”—ideas, practices, and artifacts that render time more concrete.
My new paper explores this vast, varied toolkit—one that makes use of knots, nuts, hands, flowers, mountains, shadows, and much more.
(link 👇)
My new paper explores this vast, varied toolkit—one that makes use of knots, nuts, hands, flowers, mountains, shadows, and much more.
(link 👇)
May 2, 2025 at 4:51 PM
How are humans able to make sense of time? Not with special biology but with “time tools”—ideas, practices, and artifacts that render time more concrete.
My new paper explores this vast, varied toolkit—one that makes use of knots, nuts, hands, flowers, mountains, shadows, and much more.
(link 👇)
My new paper explores this vast, varied toolkit—one that makes use of knots, nuts, hands, flowers, mountains, shadows, and much more.
(link 👇)
Reposted by Dor Shilton
My baby daughter is happy & apparently developing normally, yet, according to pediatric growth curves, she has been “wasted,” indicating severe malnourishment. In my new @newyorker.com essay, I argue that universal health benchmarks need to better account for biological variation.
We acknowledge the fact that different environments have the power to change us. Yet international organizations continue to operate on the assumption of a universal human physiology—one that corresponds strikingly with a Euro-American model.
Medical Benchmarks and the Myth of the Universal Patient
From growth charts to anemia thresholds, clinical standards assume a single human prototype. Why are we still using one-size-fits-all health metrics?
www.newyorker.com
March 24, 2025 at 5:58 PM
My baby daughter is happy & apparently developing normally, yet, according to pediatric growth curves, she has been “wasted,” indicating severe malnourishment. In my new @newyorker.com essay, I argue that universal health benchmarks need to better account for biological variation.
If you're interested in this study by Manvir and Kim be sure to check out our forthcoming comparative study of four cultures (inc. Ache) in which collective music-making is rare:
osf.io/preprints/so...
Full thread once it's published...
osf.io/preprints/so...
Full thread once it's published...
April 30, 2025 at 6:17 PM
If you're interested in this study by Manvir and Kim be sure to check out our forthcoming comparative study of four cultures (inc. Ache) in which collective music-making is rare:
osf.io/preprints/so...
Full thread once it's published...
osf.io/preprints/so...
Full thread once it's published...
Reposted by Dor Shilton
"Considering its common use across nomadic hunter-gatherer societies, and what it represents—as a tool to enable the carrying of more tools—the belt may be a bit of an unsung hero of human history." traditionsofconflict.substack.com/p/handy-man
Handy man
In praise of the humble tool belt!
traditionsofconflict.substack.com
April 21, 2025 at 3:34 PM
"Considering its common use across nomadic hunter-gatherer societies, and what it represents—as a tool to enable the carrying of more tools—the belt may be a bit of an unsung hero of human history." traditionsofconflict.substack.com/p/handy-man
Reposted by Dor Shilton
In a new essay from our "Artificial Intelligence and Democratic Freedoms" series, @randomwalker.bsky.social & @sayash.bsky.social make the case for thinking of #AI as normal technology, instead of superintelligence. Read here: knightcolumbia.org/content/ai-a...
AI as Normal Technology
knightcolumbia.org
April 15, 2025 at 2:34 PM
In a new essay from our "Artificial Intelligence and Democratic Freedoms" series, @randomwalker.bsky.social & @sayash.bsky.social make the case for thinking of #AI as normal technology, instead of superintelligence. Read here: knightcolumbia.org/content/ai-a...
Reposted by Dor Shilton
New episode!! 📣📣
A chat w/ @arikkershenbaum.bsky.social about vocal communication in animals.
The tree of life is a noisy place, bursting with howls, grunts, whines, snorts, and songs. What does it all mean? Does any of this hubbub merit the label of "language"?
Listen: disi.org/howl-grunt-s...
A chat w/ @arikkershenbaum.bsky.social about vocal communication in animals.
The tree of life is a noisy place, bursting with howls, grunts, whines, snorts, and songs. What does it all mean? Does any of this hubbub merit the label of "language"?
Listen: disi.org/howl-grunt-s...
March 7, 2025 at 5:14 PM
New episode!! 📣📣
A chat w/ @arikkershenbaum.bsky.social about vocal communication in animals.
The tree of life is a noisy place, bursting with howls, grunts, whines, snorts, and songs. What does it all mean? Does any of this hubbub merit the label of "language"?
Listen: disi.org/howl-grunt-s...
A chat w/ @arikkershenbaum.bsky.social about vocal communication in animals.
The tree of life is a noisy place, bursting with howls, grunts, whines, snorts, and songs. What does it all mean? Does any of this hubbub merit the label of "language"?
Listen: disi.org/howl-grunt-s...
Reposted by Dor Shilton
Introducing my new project… Your Wrong (yourwrong.co.uk). It’s all about the language rules and judgements that appear in different forms of popular culture. Films, series, podcasts, music, books, even graffiti!
I’d love your help to find examples!
I’d love your help to find examples!
Your Wrong
yourwrong.co.uk
February 5, 2025 at 9:34 AM
Introducing my new project… Your Wrong (yourwrong.co.uk). It’s all about the language rules and judgements that appear in different forms of popular culture. Films, series, podcasts, music, books, even graffiti!
I’d love your help to find examples!
I’d love your help to find examples!
Reposted by Dor Shilton
Where do moralizing religions come from? Useless cognitive by-products?Cultural group selection for complex societies?
Our Psych Review paper argues: neither. Let’s rethink their cognitive & evolutionary origins🧵
w/ @manvir.bsky.social @nbaumard @jbaptistandre.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1037/rev0...
Our Psych Review paper argues: neither. Let’s rethink their cognitive & evolutionary origins🧵
w/ @manvir.bsky.social @nbaumard @jbaptistandre.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1037/rev0...
February 11, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Where do moralizing religions come from? Useless cognitive by-products?Cultural group selection for complex societies?
Our Psych Review paper argues: neither. Let’s rethink their cognitive & evolutionary origins🧵
w/ @manvir.bsky.social @nbaumard @jbaptistandre.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1037/rev0...
Our Psych Review paper argues: neither. Let’s rethink their cognitive & evolutionary origins🧵
w/ @manvir.bsky.social @nbaumard @jbaptistandre.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1037/rev0...
Reposted by Dor Shilton
For those who missed the @culturalevolsoc.bsky.social conference in Durham last September, the recorded talks are now freely available to watch here:
underline.io/events/456/l...
underline.io/events/456/l...
Watch lectures from the best researchers.
On-demand video platform giving you access to lectures from conferences worldwide.
underline.io
February 12, 2025 at 9:32 AM
For those who missed the @culturalevolsoc.bsky.social conference in Durham last September, the recorded talks are now freely available to watch here:
underline.io/events/456/l...
underline.io/events/456/l...
Reposted by Dor Shilton
So exciting to see MacaqueNet out into the world! 🤩
Learn about our global community & database centralizing standardized affiliative & agonistic data from 61 populations across 14 macaque species: doi/10.1111/1365...
Explore >600 networks & request data: macaquenet.github.io/database/
Learn about our global community & database centralizing standardized affiliative & agonistic data from 61 populations across 14 macaque species: doi/10.1111/1365...
Explore >600 networks & request data: macaquenet.github.io/database/
MacaqueNet: Advancing comparative behavioural research through large‐scale collaboration
We present MacaqueNet, a global community of macaque researchers who developed the first publicly searchable, standardised database on affiliative and agonistic behaviour. This cross-species database...
besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
February 12, 2025 at 10:09 AM
So exciting to see MacaqueNet out into the world! 🤩
Learn about our global community & database centralizing standardized affiliative & agonistic data from 61 populations across 14 macaque species: doi/10.1111/1365...
Explore >600 networks & request data: macaquenet.github.io/database/
Learn about our global community & database centralizing standardized affiliative & agonistic data from 61 populations across 14 macaque species: doi/10.1111/1365...
Explore >600 networks & request data: macaquenet.github.io/database/
Reposted by Dor Shilton
Time for fatherhood, courtesy of James Rilling and his new book. #fatherhood #testosterone #oxytocin #dad apple.news/ALmCPtGhtTb2...
Men Are More Prepared for Fatherhood Than We Think — Scientific American
In many cultures, men are not involved with hands-on childcare. But biology tells us we are perfectly capable of doing so Biology I like to tell my undergraduates that hormones predispose organisms, i...
apple.news
February 11, 2025 at 12:29 AM
Time for fatherhood, courtesy of James Rilling and his new book. #fatherhood #testosterone #oxytocin #dad apple.news/ALmCPtGhtTb2...
Reposted by Dor Shilton
📣📣📣
Applications for the 2025 Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute (DISI) are now open!!
Are you interested in intelligence, mind, and cognition in all its forms? Early-career scholars from any discipline—and storytellers in any medium—are encouraged to apply!
More info: disi.org
Applications for the 2025 Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute (DISI) are now open!!
Are you interested in intelligence, mind, and cognition in all its forms? Early-career scholars from any discipline—and storytellers in any medium—are encouraged to apply!
More info: disi.org
January 24, 2025 at 4:44 PM
📣📣📣
Applications for the 2025 Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute (DISI) are now open!!
Are you interested in intelligence, mind, and cognition in all its forms? Early-career scholars from any discipline—and storytellers in any medium—are encouraged to apply!
More info: disi.org
Applications for the 2025 Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute (DISI) are now open!!
Are you interested in intelligence, mind, and cognition in all its forms? Early-career scholars from any discipline—and storytellers in any medium—are encouraged to apply!
More info: disi.org
Reposted by Dor Shilton
Enjoyed this one!
In which we discuss:
- the curse of knowledge & illusion of explanatory depth
- why chain-of-thought prompting works (or doesn't)
- "Explain Like I'm Five"
- the Tower of Pisa thought experiment
- representational re-description
- learning by writing, talking, & presenting
- etc.!
In which we discuss:
- the curse of knowledge & illusion of explanatory depth
- why chain-of-thought prompting works (or doesn't)
- "Explain Like I'm Five"
- the Tower of Pisa thought experiment
- representational re-description
- learning by writing, talking, & presenting
- etc.!
New episode!! 🎙️🎙️
A conversation w/ @tanialombrozo.bsky.social about "learning by thinking."
We often learn from others or from the outside world. But other times new understanding bubbles up from inside our own minds. When does this happen? And how does it work?
Listen: disi.org/a-paradox-of...
A conversation w/ @tanialombrozo.bsky.social about "learning by thinking."
We often learn from others or from the outside world. But other times new understanding bubbles up from inside our own minds. When does this happen? And how does it work?
Listen: disi.org/a-paradox-of...
January 15, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Enjoyed this one!
In which we discuss:
- the curse of knowledge & illusion of explanatory depth
- why chain-of-thought prompting works (or doesn't)
- "Explain Like I'm Five"
- the Tower of Pisa thought experiment
- representational re-description
- learning by writing, talking, & presenting
- etc.!
In which we discuss:
- the curse of knowledge & illusion of explanatory depth
- why chain-of-thought prompting works (or doesn't)
- "Explain Like I'm Five"
- the Tower of Pisa thought experiment
- representational re-description
- learning by writing, talking, & presenting
- etc.!
Reposted by Dor Shilton
Terrific review by Eva Jablonka of @kevinlala.bsky.social and colleagues new book Evolution Evolving!!!
‘A new vision for how evolution works is long overdue’ www.nature.com/articles/d41...
A new vision for how evolution works is long overdue
The idea that evolution is driven by an organism’s development — not just the natural selection of its genes — challenges a dearly held orthodoxy among evolutionary biologists.
www.nature.com
January 14, 2025 at 12:17 AM
Terrific review by Eva Jablonka of @kevinlala.bsky.social and colleagues new book Evolution Evolving!!!
Reposted by Dor Shilton
Has Bluesky replaced X for scientists? Take Nature’s poll www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Has Bluesky replaced X for scientists? Take Nature’s poll
The research community has flocked to the social-media platform Bluesky. Tell us about your experience.
www.nature.com
January 16, 2025 at 9:06 AM
Has Bluesky replaced X for scientists? Take Nature’s poll www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Dor Shilton
🌟 POSTDOC ALERT! 🌟
I’m hiring a #postdoc to study #Birdsong #Biomechanics at the Muséum in Paris (@mnhn.fr)
🔧 Key Skills:
- #Bioacoustics
- Aero-acoustic modelling (COMSOL)
📅 Start: March 2024 (or earlier)
I'll be at #SICB2025 – come chat or email me for details!
I’m hiring a #postdoc to study #Birdsong #Biomechanics at the Muséum in Paris (@mnhn.fr)
🔧 Key Skills:
- #Bioacoustics
- Aero-acoustic modelling (COMSOL)
📅 Start: March 2024 (or earlier)
I'll be at #SICB2025 – come chat or email me for details!
![Content of the ad
JOB STATUS: Postdoctoral Fellow
STARTING DATE: March 2024 (or earlier if possible)
DURATION: 24 months
LOCATION:
Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle (MNHN)
UMR MECADEV, FUNEVOL team
SALARY: Approx. €2500/month (net) – Full-time, in accordance with MNHN salary scales
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Pauline Provini
JOB DESCRIPTION
We are hiring a postdoctoral researcher to lead the development of aero-acoustic models of
birdsong.
The chosen applicant will play a substantive role in building static and dynamic
aero-acoustic models, fed by experimental data gathered by other team members.
Key Responsibilities
• Develop and refine static and dynamic aero-acoustic models of birdsong
• Manage and analyse data derived from the modelling
• Produce figures and contribute to scientific publications
• Co-supervise and mentor Master’s-level intern involved in the project
• Collaborate actively within the research team and external partners, sharing data and ideas
Secondary Responsibilities
• Contribute to experimental design and acoustic data acquisition
• Participate in lab meetings and collective lab activities
• Present findings at conferences and seminars
SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Requirements
• PhD in bioacoustics or a closely related field
• Experience in computational modelling (e.g., COMSOL® Acoustics module software)
• Interest in or willingness to learn about avian functional morphology and Evolution
• Scientific writing skills
Additional positive qualifications
• Background in birdsong research or vocal biomechanics
• Interdisciplinary experience combining biology, physics, or engineering
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Please send the following documents to pauline.provini[at]mnhn.fr:
• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter outlining research interests, experience, and career goals
• Contact information for two references
DEADLINE
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:j66choaco4h3377t6mbxn6vk/bafkreieke5eqxtdjonycfsqb4c536gnfcj3i5edl43nhunj5iaqabsoft4@jpeg)
December 31, 2024 at 11:37 AM
🌟 POSTDOC ALERT! 🌟
I’m hiring a #postdoc to study #Birdsong #Biomechanics at the Muséum in Paris (@mnhn.fr)
🔧 Key Skills:
- #Bioacoustics
- Aero-acoustic modelling (COMSOL)
📅 Start: March 2024 (or earlier)
I'll be at #SICB2025 – come chat or email me for details!
I’m hiring a #postdoc to study #Birdsong #Biomechanics at the Muséum in Paris (@mnhn.fr)
🔧 Key Skills:
- #Bioacoustics
- Aero-acoustic modelling (COMSOL)
📅 Start: March 2024 (or earlier)
I'll be at #SICB2025 – come chat or email me for details!
Reposted by Dor Shilton
Major JOB ALERT! I and close colleagues have 4 (!) positions open. So if you're looking for a postdoc or PhD, do read on:
January 3, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Major JOB ALERT! I and close colleagues have 4 (!) positions open. So if you're looking for a postdoc or PhD, do read on:
Reposted by Dor Shilton
I'm shaken by the news of Frans de Waal's passing. It feels so untimely that he is gone.
Emory primatologist Frans de Waal remembered for bringing apes ‘a little closer to humans’
Beginning with his groundbreaking 1982 book “Chimpanzee Politics,” Frans de Waal pioneered studies of primate cognition and shattered long-held ideas about what it means to be an animal — and a human.
news.emory.edu
March 17, 2024 at 5:04 AM
I'm shaken by the news of Frans de Waal's passing. It feels so untimely that he is gone.