Cultural Evolution and Humanization: A Journey Through Human Development
Classified in Philosophy and ethics
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Cultural Evolution
From Biological to Cultural
Biological evolution continues in cultural evolution. "Culture" encompasses all human inventions transmitted through learning: language, beliefs, and more. Cultural evolution has advanced at a pace Darwinian processes cannot match. Unlike our biological history, cultural evolution is Lamarckian in nature.
The Process of Humanization
Humanization refers to all the changes in human life since the emergence of Homo sapiens, summarized as "culture." Humans are the only creatures capable of education. Education encompasses care during infancy, the discipline that shapes humanity, and finally, the transmission of culture. This creates a three-way relationship: child, pupil, and student.
Discipline distinguishes humans from animals. Animals rely on instinct; reason guides human actions. Humans require reason, not instinct, to plan their conduct. Because they are not immediately capable of this and enter the world undeveloped, they need the help of others.
The human species is bound to gradually develop, through its own efforts, all the qualities that belong to humanity.
Characteristic Features of Culture
1. The Capacity for Symbolization
Signs have a direct relationship with what they express. Symbols, conversely, are abstract signs requiring social agreement to establish their meaning.
Human beings create "symbolic language." This distinguishes us and opens up the path to civilization. Language, myth, art, and religion are part of this symbolic universe, the threads that weave the complex fabric of human experience.
2. Understanding Group Relations
Humans are capable of understanding the intentions and feelings of others.
3. Autonomy
Animals have greater autonomy in their environment. Humans, to some extent, can direct their own behavior.