Human uniqueness: Difference between revisions
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'''Human uniqueness''' is an attribute often used in discussions about the [[Evolution (biology)|evolution]] of biological traits found in [[humans]]. Though useful in terms of generating [[falsifiable hypothesis|falsifiable hypotheses]], the concept has frequently created misunderstandings, in particular since many claims of human uniqueness were not substantiated by an appropriately scoped search for the trait in question across a wider range of species. Furthermore, even in the presence of | '''Human uniqueness''' is an attribute often used in discussions about the [[Evolution (biology)|evolution]] of biological traits found in [[humans]]. Though useful in terms of generating [[falsifiable hypothesis|falsifiable hypotheses]], the concept has frequently created misunderstandings, in particular since many claims of human uniqueness were not substantiated by an appropriately scoped search for the trait in question across a wider range of species. Furthermore, even in the presence of potential counter examples, judgments whether a given trait qualifies as ''uniquely human'' hinge upon precise definitions of the terms, which are often lacking. Some of the past and present candidate uniquenesses include [[culture]], [[language]], [[music]], [[tool use]], [[theory of mind]], [[emotion]]s and [[morality]]. | ||
Revision as of 04:47, 5 June 2008
Human uniqueness is an attribute often used in discussions about the evolution of biological traits found in humans. Though useful in terms of generating falsifiable hypotheses, the concept has frequently created misunderstandings, in particular since many claims of human uniqueness were not substantiated by an appropriately scoped search for the trait in question across a wider range of species. Furthermore, even in the presence of potential counter examples, judgments whether a given trait qualifies as uniquely human hinge upon precise definitions of the terms, which are often lacking. Some of the past and present candidate uniquenesses include culture, language, music, tool use, theory of mind, emotions and morality.