Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Calm-mind]

What do you think it points out, in the following passage, which is the last part of an essay [/color]about modularity on behavior and emotion observing young Mozart�s behavior and a baby gull which pecks the red part of the parent�s bill to have food? Modularity means something like evolution has occurred by changing parts of individuals independently at various time and rate.

The concept of modularity lies at the heart of much innovative research in cognitive science. The brain does a great deal of work by complex coordination among its parts, but we have also know for a long time that highly particular aptitudes and behaviors map to specific portions of the brain. Barrington�s study of Mozart and the modern scientific research on the behavior of new-born gulls may seem at first sight to have little in common. However, although we may read it to learn more about the life of a man revered for his contribution to the world of art, the illustration of modularity evidenced both in Mozart�s own behavior and in his ability to separate and abstract single emotions is an important contribution to our understanding of the human mind.

It is difficult for me to understand the part �we may read it to learn more�..� I think it means the illustration and the part can be paraphrased as we may take(consider) the illustration as learning more �. Is it correct?

Thank you very much.

[asterix]

It means Barrington's study of Mozart.

The author says, that although we may read it primarily to learn about Mozart and his music, his ability to separate and abstract single emotions is also an important conribution to our understanding of the human mind, and an illustration of modularity.

[Calm-mind]

Thank you very very much, asterix.

How about the understanding of the part �we may read it to learn more�..� the part can be paraphrased as we may take(consider) the illustration as learning more �. or just literally read his paper or the study itself in order to learn more...? Barrington�s study of Mozart means the illustration of �, doesn�t it?