Wednesday, December 04, 2013

The Uniqueness of Humanity: Is Evolution Progress?

 

From The Institute of Art and Ideas (IAI) and their ongoing series of debates on compelling topics, evolutionary psychologist Nicholas Humphrey and evolutionary game theorist Ken Binmore square off with cultural critic Eva Aldea and philosopher of science Nick Maxwell on the uniqueness of humanity and the purpose of evolution - is it blind change, or is it, as the name implies, a progression (toward something)?

Good stuff.

The Uniqueness of Humanity: Is Evolution Progress?



Darwin's Origin of Species appears to ally evolution with advance, and as humans we place ourselves at the top of the tree. But is evolution progress or simply change for good or ill? Have we transcended our animal nature, or is this a dangerous illusion?

The Panel

Evolutionary psychologist Nicholas Humphrey and evolutionary game theorist Ken Binmore clash with cultural critic Eva Aldea and philosopher of science Nick Maxwell. David Malone hosts.

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