Introduction

Abstract

Homo sapiens has lived on Earth since about 200,000 years ago; during this time, the brain’s structural changes have been minimal. It can be argued that Homo sapiens possessed some basic cognitive abilities – preadaptations – support- ing human contemporary complex cognition. Vygotsky’s and Luria’s publications during the early and mid twentieth century represent a turning point in the inter- pretation of the evolution of human cognition from a cultural and historical point of view. Furthermore, an increased interest toward cultural issues is evidently observed in contemporary cognitive neurosciences. During the last decades, a sig- nificant number of publications devoted to the analysis of cultural variables on cognition are found, including studies on illiteracy, bilingualism research, cross- linguistic analysis of aphasia, research about the influence of socioeducational fac- tors in neuropsychological performance, and the studies on cultural variables on handedness. Finally, it is explained that this book has four aims: (1) to analyze some evidence about the historical origins of cognitive activity; (2) to integrate some information regarding differences in neuropsychological performance from a sociocultural perspective; (3) to discuss how the inclusion of a historical and cul- tural perspective in behavioral neurosciences can contribute to obtain a better understanding about the brain organization of cognition; and (4) to propose some general guidelines for future research in the area. Keywords