Showing posts with label humans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label humans. Show all posts

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Introductory Questions Usually Raised in Physical Anthropology Classes

1. How do humans differ from animals?

          Aside from possessing rationality and intellect, humans are the only species to ponder their own existence and situatedness or position in the spectrum of life on earth. Humans are also the only species to develop language and culture as means of buffering nature's challenges.

2. How is predisposition a common feature between humans and animals?

        Culture isn't genetically determined, but predisposition to assimilate and function in culture is influenced by biological factors. In this light, non-humans can be said to have (some) culture. 

3. It is said that only 2% separates man from chimps. What is this 2%?

        Value and use for Semiotics --- Only humans can use symbols.