Exploring The Human-Ape Paradox: Iain Davidson - Art, Story, Mind

(01:37 - Main Presentation) Each species of our primate cousins is unique as it represents the outcome of independent evolution. Yet, humans appear to be a remarkable outlier as we have numerous characteristics so far un-described in any other primate. Why should this be? This symposium will address several important distinctly human "biologically enculturated" characteristics, both in relation to each other and in contrast to our evolutionary cousins, and will also help to organize how and in what sequence distinctly human physical, mental, social, and cultural features evolved.
[Show ID: 36186]

More from: CARTA - Comparative Anthropogeny - Exploring The Human-Ape Paradox

Explore More Humanities on UCTV
The humanities encourage us to think creatively and explore questions about our world. UCTV explores human culture through literature, history, ethics, philosophy, cinema and religion so we can better understand the human experience.

Explore More Science & Technology on UCTV
Science and technology continue to change our lives. University of California scientists are tackling the important questions like climate change, evolution, oceanography, neuroscience and the potential of stem cells.

UCTV is the broadcast and online media platform of the University of California, featuring programming from its ten campuses, three national labs and affiliated research institutions. UCTV explores a broad spectrum of subjects for a general audience, including science, health and medicine, public affairs, humanities, arts and music, business, education, and agriculture. Launched in January 2000, UCTV embraces the core missions of the University of California -- teaching, research, and public service – by providing quality, in-depth television far beyond the campus borders to inquisitive viewers around the world.

[robertgotschall]

This is of great interest to me. I see I need to study “marks” much more before any consideration of “dance” as an art.

[Seekingsilver]

Life is art.. make it a memorable masterpiece

[astrazenica]

I think early language must be very significant to development of art

[freejutube]

maybe we are looking in the wrong place... let's say we observe normal (not artists, nor culture oriented people) modern humans, put in cages - for a while - along with some tools, materials, and surfaces... and let's say we try to see if some of them are spontaneously "producing" art... and what kind of art... for instance : are prisoners in jails spontaneously producing art ? do they develop an appreciation of the kind of art they produce ? ... what are we inferring about what they produce, about their behavior and their discourse around that... then... we'll go back to what we would see/say about art, or no art, produced by other humans and apes... i guess we would see things differently...