Synthesis philosophica, Vol. 40 No. 1, 2025.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.21464/sp40101
The Import of Animal Nature. Human Cultures and Biological Evolution
Maxine Sheets-Johnstone
; University of Oregon, 1585 E 13th Ave., Eugene, OR 97403 United States
Abstract
Human cultures are akin to evolutionary animal species, showing variations in how they conduct themselves and relate to other cultures. These cultural distinctions include variations in freedoms, values, male dominance practices, and perceptions of superiority or inferiority, significantly influencing cultural realities such as racism, poverty, and laws. Humans further distinguish themselves culturally from nonhuman species, safeguarding a status as unique, precious, and highest among living beings. However, this distancing reveals human vulnerability, mortality, and the struggle for existence described by Darwin. Religion addresses human vulnerability through beliefs in God and an after-life, yet religious responses to strangers and nonhuman animals differ, sometimes welcoming, sometimes oppressing. The various aspects of human culture pointed out above have roots in a range of evolutionary realities that inform both human and nonhuman forms of life. These realities warrant detailed specification in terms of both phylogenesis and ontogenesis.
Keywords
human being; animal; culture; nature; biology; evolution; phylogenesis; ontogenesis
Hrčak ID:
332030
URI
Publication date:
11.6.2025.
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