Human Evolution: From Primate Ancestors to Modernity

Posted on Jan 27, 2025 in Philosophy and ethics

Differences Between Our Ancestors and Modern Humans

Biochemical, Anatomical, and Genetic Differences

While the biochemical and genetic differences between us and our ancestors are not vast, we differ significantly anatomically, and we are very anthropoid. Key features include:

  • Smaller teeth and jaw size
  • Larger brain size
  • Bipedalism and upright walking

Our development became more complex over time.

Differences in Behavior

We are independent of the environment and have set ourselves apart from other species. Our control features include:

  1. The ability to symbolize: We can communicate using symbols.
  2. Living in reality: We perceive things outside of ourselves as reality, even if they do not directly relate to us.
  3. The feeling of one’s own body: This is not only our knowledge of the body’s anatomy but also the internal information we receive when we feel something. We are aware of something when we realize that it affects us both sentimentally and through our senses.
  4. Being open to the world: Humans adapt and change, adapting to both the environment and time.
  5. The power of choice: We can choose our future and say no to options.
  6. Nothing is complete: As humans, we are never satisfied with what we have; we always want more.
  7. Gathering along the lines: We choose what we do and how we do it, creating ideas and projects.
  8. Imagination and reasoning skills: Through imagination, we create ideas, and then we can use strong reasoning to develop projects.

Culture

Culture is a characteristic of human behavior. What sets culture apart? It is caused by the reality of living in a social group (language, law, etc.). Culture is essential for human survival, guiding us on where to go and how to develop.

Animal Intelligence vs. Human Intelligence

Both animals and humans have the ability to satisfy basic needs, adapt to environmental changes, and use tools. Some animals also demonstrate the ability to perceive things as reality. One of the key signs of human intelligence is the ability to use symbols. The most important philosophers have stated that human and animal minds are totally different.

Knowledge of the Human Body and Consciousness

We are the body… The body is essential to our integrity. We need to know our anatomy not only from the outside but also from the inside. This is our body, and we must bear in mind that our new state of knowledge offers new feelings about our body, our strength, and our objectives. This new knowledge takes on an emotional tone.

These aspects are related to three aspects of humanity:

  • Intelligence (regarding the senses)
  • Feeling (regarding affects)
  • Will (regarding tendencies)

And also consciousness: Human beings do things knowing that we are someone who can ask, “Is this me?”, and we are not an object but a subject (that is, we know that we know). This is the main function of human consciousness:

  1. Being aware of oneself
  2. Continuing as we were in reality

Awareness of personal consciousness becomes more than self-awareness: thanks to our intellect, intimacy, and freedom, we will create options.