Post on 03-Jun-2018
8/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
1/43
Does Culture Evolve?
8/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
2/43
8/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
3/43
What is Culture?
Culture
Patterns of learned behavior and ideas acquired by people as
members of society.
Different combinations of multiple social traditions.
Emphasizes role for social learning.
Downplays innate (genetically-
determined) behaviors.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=GctTsgTsaHEn5M&tbnid=4Q20vxK_cj00MM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bostonhomestayblog.com%2Fgo-global-blog%2Fboston-city-of-culture&ei=Y-BCUpivAunD4AOR2IDgDw&bvm=bv.53077864,d.dmg&psig=AFQjCNFYe-U10ugtfunWo-3KXq8GF8SmTg&ust=13802009161727568/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
4/43
Capacity for Culture
NeandertalsBurial of the dead
Fossil H. sapiensArt, symbolism,
language.
i.e. Culture as we know it.
Human capacity for culture has evolved overmillions of years.
Chimpanzee culture
Oldowan stone tools2.5 mya
Oldowan Chopper
Bison panel at Altamira Cave (Spain)
8/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
5/43
Capacity for Culture
Culture considered as the human
niche/adaptation.
Capacity for culture led to our
phenomenal success as a species.
Human society today6 billion people.
Societal institutions rely on high degree
of cooperation between individuals and
groups.
High degree of technological innovation.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=YRPRGsxc_ZeAwM&tbnid=9EorKTeJFCL9yM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhaasintheworld.wordpress.com%2Fauthor%2Fhaasibdbox%2F&ei=eeFCUqbNJ4n64AOsiYD4Cg&bvm=bv.53077864,d.dmg&psig=AFQjCNG11ZdpGJPMJRbvbtOf9A5n2UIlUQ&ust=1380201193478347http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=PMgNm9fMGLj_JM&tbnid=ATDSs2ewqrofiM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdeniseleeyohn.com%2Fbites%2F2011%2F11%2F15%2Fculture-isnt-enough%2F&ei=1OBCUo_7BO-u4AO4x4DADQ&bvm=bv.53077864,d.dmg&psig=AFQjCNFYe-U10ugtfunWo-3KXq8GF8SmTg&ust=13802009161727568/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
6/43
The Biocultural Organism
Humans are obviously both biological and cultural organisms.
Culture is part of our biological heritage.
This biocultural heritage has produced a living species that:
1) Uses culture to surmount
biological and individual
limitations
2) Is even capable of studying
itself and its own biocultural
evolution
http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=Jm1k350yMtrsWM&tbnid=g4qAehxd4hz8sM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgeknitics.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fso-what-do-you-do%2F&ei=ZeJCUouqHdXA4AODtIHoBQ&bvm=bv.53077864,d.dmg&psig=AFQjCNEyRAI7DcKeJIW2-Py7JO-H3rcsVw&ust=13802014368030908/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
7/43
Cultural Evolution
Probably the single most divisive issue in anthropology.
Revolves around basic philosophical differences in viewing the most
fundamental aspects of being human.
Many of which have no clear answer..
Nature vs. Nurture
Human Limitations vs. Free Will
http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=Jm1k350yMtrsWM&tbnid=g4qAehxd4hz8sM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgeknitics.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fso-what-do-you-do%2F&ei=ZeJCUouqHdXA4AODtIHoBQ&bvm=bv.53077864,d.dmg&psig=AFQjCNEyRAI7DcKeJIW2-Py7JO-H3rcsVw&ust=13802014368030908/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
8/43
Cultural Evolution
Several Formal Models of Cultural Evolution
1) Sociobiology
2) Behavioral Ecology
3) Evolutionary Psychology
4) Niche Construction
Attractiveness of applying Darwinism to human behavior is that it can
reduce complex phenomena to simple, more fundamental processes.
This would appear to be the mainproblemfor cultural anthropologists.
8/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
9/43
Sociobiology
Developed theoretically in 1970s.
E.O. WilsonMain proponent
the systematic study of the biological basis of all
social behavior.
Mainly studied social insects (ants, bees, wasps).
Colonies of ants as a super-organism.
E. O. Wilson
Entire colony functions as a singleentity/organism.
Well-defined roles of different
individuals.
Differ morphologically as well.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=TmPCBkg6Ptv7hM&tbnid=pCzwltzVwdRIuM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fkids.britannica.com%2Fcomptons%2Fart-144467&ei=l9JCUt6sIK--4AOf74CQDw&bvm=bv.53077864,d.dmg&psig=AFQjCNEO98YQZBkM1TtWvhmm3kwwUR5eLA&ust=13801973644513778/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
10/43
10 tons(!) of concrete poured into ant colony over three
days and subsequently excavated.
Colonies can contain literally millions of individuals.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=_pH5ccxnNHH-9M&tbnid=IJOntjwjVBzuGM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffofoa.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F02%2Fsuperorganism-open-forum.html&ei=NdJCUqShBI-54APS74HwBQ&bvm=bv.53077864,d.dmg&psig=AFQjCNHUERvACsWT6wlzGEoc2jm9HSPpXA&ust=13801969688181948/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
11/43
Sociobiology
Some castes of ants were completely sterile.
Reproduction not possible.
How does this happen evolutionarily?
Relied on notion of inclusive fitness/kin selection.
E. O. Wilson
Individuals can decrease their
reproductive potential if they are
increasing that of close relatives.
Indirectly passing on your own genes.
This is the basis for cooperative/social
behavior.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=TmPCBkg6Ptv7hM&tbnid=pCzwltzVwdRIuM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fkids.britannica.com%2Fcomptons%2Fart-144467&ei=l9JCUt6sIK--4AOf74CQDw&bvm=bv.53077864,d.dmg&psig=AFQjCNEO98YQZBkM1TtWvhmm3kwwUR5eLA&ust=13801973644513778/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
12/43
Sociobiology
Applied similar concepts to humans.
Argued for a biological basis for many human
behaviors
Human behavior explainable in evolutionary
(Darwinian) terms
Emphasizes adaptation and maximizing
reproductive success
Human behavior subjected to natural selection
Human behavior as adaptive behavior
Very controversialE. O. Wilson
8/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
13/43
Sociobiology
Originally focused on explaining the evolution of altruism.
The willingness to give up benefits for oneself in order to
help someone else.
Pervasive, yet very difficult to explain evolutionarily.
E. O. Wilson
Natural Selection emphasizes
competition between individuals.
Competition is necessary for Natural
Selection.
How is cooperation possible?
http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=OfClXbsKaCFOhM&tbnid=MKeJNDknW2ja3M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fkingpinlifestyle.com%2Fdoes-competition-set-you-up-for-failure%2F&ei=GetCUrPtO67E4AOi_YGACg&bvm=bv.53077864,d.dmg&psig=AFQjCNEksR-aM3buil5L_uvADw1F6kF2FQ&ust=13802036586105848/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
14/43
Sociobiology
Organisms share the most genes with close relatives.
Therefore, natural selection will preserve altruistic
behaviors if the altruists sacrifice themselves for close
kin.
Kin Selection
E. O. Wilson
Evolution of altruism/cooperation is amajor topic in evolutionary theory.
Humans are the ultimate cooperators.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=OfClXbsKaCFOhM&tbnid=MKeJNDknW2ja3M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fkingpinlifestyle.com%2Fdoes-competition-set-you-up-for-failure%2F&ei=GetCUrPtO67E4AOi_YGACg&bvm=bv.53077864,d.dmg&psig=AFQjCNEksR-aM3buil5L_uvADw1F6kF2FQ&ust=13802036586105848/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
15/43
Sociobiology
Sociobiology would appear to explain many
aspects of the lives and organization of the
social insects.
It does also seem to explain mating strategies
across the animal kingdom (e.g. primates).
When applied to human behavior, it becomes
very complicated very quickly.
Reductionist perspective limits any role forculture.
E. O. Wilson
Humans only cooperate with genetically related individuals.
Ultimate goal of human social behavior is reproduction (of genes).
8/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
16/43
Human Behavioral Ecology
Developed out of Sociobiology
Accepts the importance of Natural Selection on behavior.
Emphasizes behavioral adaptations
Rejects the biological determinism of Sociobiology.
Its not just about genes.
Behavioral Ecology is a widespread approach tointerpreting primate social behavior.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=6_qdchhnAtttNM&tbnid=8Z1wsEv_W0qQmM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fguides.library.ucla.edu%2Fcontent.php%3Fpid%3D67371%26sid%3D497640&ei=2vtCUoSZEZLd4APhq4DQAg&bvm=bv.53077864,d.dmg&psig=AFQjCNEC9KY_agkFLp2WRjeqBQNoZqCtfw&ust=13802074473864308/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
17/43
Human Behavioral Ecology
The aim is to determine how ecological and social factors affect
behavioral variability within and between populations and to
predict patterns of behavior using mathematical models.
Applies methods of behavioral ecology to humans.
Treats humans like other animals.
Often try to identify how behavioral differencesbetween groups are responses to particular
environments.
A kind of environmental determinism.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=wC0xFt4d7UrDbM&tbnid=cKywcGJ2fbzeFM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fheb.fas.harvard.edu%2Flabs.html&ei=7vlCUtSlJvfd4AOEnICgBw&bvm=bv.53077864,d.dmg&psig=AFQjCNEC9KY_agkFLp2WRjeqBQNoZqCtfw&ust=13802074473864308/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
18/43
Human Behavioral Ecology
Accepts the importance of Natural Selection on human behavior.Emphasizes behavioral adaptations
Human behavioral adaptations depend on
cultural learning rather then genetic
control.
But: Human culture is closely circumscribed
by selection pressures imposed on us
by the environment.
So cultural behaviors/features/traits are
related to the environment one lives in.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=pCDEMpA8h5x2sM&tbnid=nOwlBrUczQfA8M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.travelandescape.ca%2F2012%2F05%2F10-more-inspiring-travel-books%2Fistock_000020001867small%2F&ei=Hv1CUsCBM6T_4APuqYG4Dw&bvm=bv.53077864,d.dmg&psig=AFQjCNGlOVv5RolMh7elSVOCMS8W94lITg&ust=1380208274067605http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=-xaszWcSd7ZGfM&tbnid=pAbCnc_ZDnqmOM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alaska-in-pictures.com%2Finupiat-eskimo-igloo-438-pictures.htm&ei=a_xCUoWXAsjk4AOYq4CIAg&bvm=bv.53077864,d.dmg&psig=AFQjCNFg2RYnmCAKD8BcZPPtE21h4h_6jQ&ust=13802080876593978/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
19/43
Human Behavioral Ecology
Key assumptions:
1) Human beings are able to alter their behavior flexibly in response
to environmental conditions in a manner that optimizes their
lifetime reproductive success.
Culture (or cultural behavior) as adaptive
Goal of human culture is reproduction
Leads to passing on genetic material (often related to/controlling
the behaviors under study)
2) Optimality and fitness maximization drive behavior, with data
usually gathered on small communities in remote regions.
8/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
20/43
Evolutionary Psychology
Many aspects of human behavior (particular related to reproduction) represent
psychological adaptations which evolved to address problems during the
course of our evolutionary history.
Many current behavioral patterns representadaptations to an ancient environment that is no
longer with us.
They thus represent adaptations, but the adaptive
context has changed.
Evolutionary psychologists look at male and
female reproductive strategies in modern
populations from an evolutionary perspective.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=LAj0rDlNeTeZ3M&tbnid=CFjpE47-nFjy7M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcoronainsights.com%2F2013%2F07%2Fmeasuring-human-behavior-opportunities-and-challenges%2F&ei=mwJDUu7KK_PC4APwqYDABg&psig=AFQjCNHGzebRrX_qi1qXWePsanBfN7flJA&ust=13802096864843108/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
21/43
Evolutionary Psychology
Most of our existence as a genus has involved
living in small hunter-gatherer groups in
Africa.
Environment of Evolutionary Adaptedness
This long history of natural selection hasresulted in a mind that is adapted to a
Pleistocene way of life, not living in cities and
driving cars.
Humans today are far removed from their environment of evolutionary
adaptedness but our behaviors can still be understood within this context.
Explicitly Darwinian in emphasizing adaptation and reproduction.
8/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
22/43
Evolutionary Psychology
Environment of Evolutionary AdaptednessCompletely theoretical construct
Impossible to test any theories based on this idea
Represents an attempt to interpret the present on the basis of the past.
Opposite of what is normally done (and criticized)
(i.e. extrapolating the present back into the past)
The human mind is a product of Natural
Selection.
Consists of a set of sealed-off mental
modules, each of which evolved to solve a
different adaptive problem.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=abS9Rnf24sBAxM&tbnid=sX9SzRPbHgnvYM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myeducation.com%2Fblog%2Fstudy-human-behavior-and-the-mind-with-a-psychology-degree%2F&ei=7AJDUuqGCIXb4AOshIGYAg&psig=AFQjCNHGzebRrX_qi1qXWePsanBfN7flJA&ust=13802096864843108/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
23/43
Evolutionary Psychology
Important Implication:Human behavior today is maladaptive.
We have changed our environment and (ironically) are now not
adapted to the new environment we have created.
Modern human behavior (today) is adaptive only in terms of how it
might have influenced reproduction during the Pleistocene.
Heavy emphasis on reproduction.
Most modern human behaviors studied
are somehow related to reproduction.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=lu_5J1ACs-qNIM&tbnid=gwQnmBIHGDevrM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffootage.shutterstock.com%2Fclip-2282393-stock-footage-anonymous-crowd-of-people-walking-sidewalk-in-new-york-city-slow-motion.html&ei=LgZDUsWjJNSq4AOo4oHIDg&psig=AFQjCNHzn55G1vKn0Rnf6dZN_9X7-kVgyw&ust=13802105120428658/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
24/43
Evolutionary Psychology
So living humans today are in the
middle of an adaptive lag..
Adapted to life in the Pleistocene
Human reproductive strategies
today reflect an attempt to
maximize reproductive success
during our prior Pleistocene
hunter-gatherer way of life.
Not adapted to life in the modern
world.
8/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
25/43
Niche Construction
Beaver dams provide a place to raise
young, but also alter water flow,nutrient distribution, plantcomposition, etc.
Rather than occupying a (pre-existing)
niche, organisms create and/orconstruct their own niches.
More recent development in evolutionary theory (since 1990s).
Organisms shape/change their environments, thereby altering theselection pressures they are subjected to.
Emphasizes dynamic relationship between organism and environment.
Beaver Dam
8/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
26/43
Human Niche Construction
Humans would seem to be the ultimateniche constructors.
Even during the Pleistocene humanswore clothes, had a controlled use offire and stone tools, actively huntedgame species, occupied caves.
Pleistocene Homo sapienseven built
shelters, made storage pits, etc.
Neandertal lifeways
Excavation of a mammoth hut - Ukraine
8/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
27/43
Human Niche Construction
Modern heating and air conditioning canbe considered analogous to thesebehaviors in the past.
These are not necessarily constructing aniche, but reducing the selectivepressures you are subjected to.
Culture (specifically material culture) hasreleased us from selective pressures.
This is why culture is sometimesproposed as being the human niche
8/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
28/43
Human Niche Construction
This is how it is argued that culture is
adaptive, by reducing selective
pressures
Certainly, judging by the number ofpeople on the planet today, this
might make sense.
But: group living has lead to new
selective pressures (communicablediseases, sanitation, etc.)
8/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
29/43
8/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
30/43
Human Niche Construction
Human niche construction would seem tobe limitless
This is how we adapt now.usingtechnology.
Behavioral/genetic change is also possible,but niche construction proceeds muchmore rapidly.
Neandertal Tool-Maker
Culture (technology) becomes humanitys niche.
Not a new concept.
8/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
31/43
Human Niche Construction
But: what if we go extinct through our niche constructing activities?
How can that be considered adaptive?
Despite some maladaptive behaviors, adaptive behaviors are much
more common and human behavior today generally is adaptive, notmaladaptive.
Based largely on worldwidepopulation growth
8/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
32/43
What is a Darwinian Anthropology?
Jonathan Marks
Geneticist
Vocal critic within biological anthropology
Tries to reconcile Darwinism with anthropology
Mainly trying to find some common ground of understanding between
biological and cultural anthropologists.
Identifies several boundary conditions to establishing a Darwinian
Anthropology.
8/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
33/43
What is a Darwinian Anthropology?
First, acknowledge that humans evolved from apes
as well as the uniqueness of the human species.
Second, utilize the primate data in broader ways than
simply seeing humans as chimpanzees.
In other words, yes we are primates, but a unique
primate.
Behavioral patterns observed in primates can help us think aboutourselves, but we should also be open to the idea that humans are
just different in some fundamental ways.
8/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
34/43
8/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
35/43
What is Darwinian Anthropology?
Fourth, recognize that not everything is an adaptation.
Adaptation was an outcome of the evolutionary
process for Darwin.
Survival of the Fittest
Not only the strongest and fastest survive.
Survival of the survivors.
Not everyone is attempting to maximize their reproductive success all
the time.
8/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
36/43
Adaptive Human Behavior
Throughout all this, the notion that human behavior is adaptive is
pervasive.
A culture trait may have been fixed because:
1) the genes for it were fixed2) it augmented the survival and reproduction of its bearers or their kin
3) it augmented its own survival and reproduction
Everything is there for a reason.
Culture (Behavior) is biological.
Everything has a deterministic explanation.
This is anothermajor problem for cultural anthropologists.
8/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
37/43
Adaptive Human Behavior
The notion that human behavior is adaptive is problematic.
Rapidly leads to moralistic judgement of different behaviors and/or
cultures/societies.
Are some cultures more adapted than others?
If so, are they better?
What does that even mean.really?
How is this judged?
Population size, technological development, economic prosperity?
8/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
38/43
Adaptive Human Behavior
Is this emphasis on adaptation necessary?
Much of evolutionary change (anatomical/morphological features)across the animal kingdom in fact does not seem to be clearlyadaptive.
Within evolutionary theory, this is one of the major developments thathas emerged since the modern synthesis of the 1940s-1950s.
Neutral theory (1960s)Most mutations do not affect fitness
Punctuated equilibrium (1970s)Emphasizes speciation as a driver ofchange
Critique of adaptationism (1980s)Removed the privileged place thatnatural selection held as the main driver of evolutionary change
8/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
39/43
Non-Adaptive, Historically-Contingent Change
Can we remove the ideas of natural selection and adaptation to explain human
behavior and still provide an evolutionary framework?
This is difficult..
Evolution doesnt just start fresh each time, it builds on what is already there.
So your evolutionary history will to some extent determine your potential
evolutionary future.
(i.e. what anatomical changes are even possible)
8/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
40/43
Non-Adaptive, Historically-Contingent Change
Men make their own history, but hey do not make it just as theyplease; they donot make it under circumstances chosen by
themselves, but under circumstancess directly encountered, given
and transmitted by the past Karl Marx
Maybe an emphasis on historical contingency
would be a point of agreement between
biological and cultural anthropologists.
Non-adaptive, yet historically contingent
change.
Not entirely satisfactory.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=E3qCHApDpF0-eM&tbnid=OoTEcoaNG4Ji-M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Flibcom.org%2Fhistory%2Fkarl-marx-karl-korsch&ei=IxVDUuvcLNDA4APF4oD4Bg&psig=AFQjCNHvAhT4Ozul-_9GZxZ0pYdaTapiPw&ust=13802143854340588/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
41/43
Sources of Conflict
Biological vs. Cultural explanations
Biological approach involves placing boundaries around human
behaviors and defining culture.
Necessary prerequisites to model anything.
Cultural anthropology is anathema to placing boundaries and
making definitions.
Humans are infinitely creative in their behaviors.
Biological approach is seen as overly deterministic and
reductionist.
8/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
42/43
Sources of Conflict
Both sides emphasize the sweeping power of explanation of their
approaches to studying human behavior.
Cultural anthropology
Flexibility of human behavior defies a singular explanation. Non-biologically-based cultural experience mediates our social behavior.
Biological Evolution (Natural Selection)
A secular, stochastic process that is both deterministic (but
historically contingent) and flexible (in its creative potential) ispowerful enough to produce the variation (morphological and
behavioral) we see across living forms.
8/12/2019 Does Culture Evolve-Anth 111
43/43
Sources of Conflict
Interesting dynamic occurring on both sides of the debate:
Cultural Anthropology
Human behavior cannot be bounded or divided up into discreteunits.
This renders any attempt to reduce it to a set of core principles futile.The flexibility of human behavior is essentially limitless.
Biological Evolution
Morphological variation is continuous across nature and cannot bebounded or divided up into discrete units.
This gradient of morphological variation is produced by theoperation of natural selection.
The creative potential of natural selection is essentially limitless.