Human Nature: Culture, Language, and Darwinian Evolution

Humanity's Unique Nature

Instead of dealing with the world directly, humans are, in a sense, in constant conversation with themselves. This means that whatever we do is mediated by our culture, especially through language.

Are Humans Cultural Animals?

When we speak of culture, we do not mean a person's general education or acquired knowledge. Instead, we refer to all the resources, technologies, and patterns of behavior unique to a society, including its beliefs, values, customs, symbols, and traditions. In this sense, humans are the only truly cultural species.

Five Characteristics of Human Biology

Key biological traits that define humans include:

• Cranial capacity
• Intelligence quotient (IQ)
• Sex (male or female)
• Eye color
• Skin color

Evolution and Language

Evolution According to Darwin

Charles Darwin's theory posits a struggle for survival because there are more living beings than available resources, which implies a process of natural selection. In this struggle, the fittest survive—those that present the best features to adapt to their environment. The less adapted cease to exist, while the better-adapted pass their advantageous characteristics to their descendants.

The Emergence of Language

Language likely arose from a mutation in the human brain. Thanks to language, human communication and the creation of a shared world became possible. Language is what allows us to understand both the external world and our own inner world.

The Social and Symbolic Human

Are We the Most Sociable Species?

It can be argued that we are the most sociable species, primarily because we possess the gift of language, something other animals do not have. Language allows us to indicate what is good and just versus what is unjust. A unique peculiarity of human perception is this very concept of good and evil. Therefore, language is a key factor in our advanced social nature.

The Adaptive Advantage of Language

The adaptive advantage of language is its ability to help us relate better with others and to coordinate group dynamics. Language allows us to organize collective tasks more effectively.

Commentary: "We are lucky monkeys"

This expression relates to the roles of mutation and natural selection. We are "lucky" because, through a chance mutation, our primate ancestors adapted better to their environment. Thanks to the process of natural selection, we were able to transmit these new characteristics to our descendants.

Art and the Nature of Symbols

A symbol is the attribution of a specific meaning to a sign or representation. Art is inherently symbolic because it allows us to express our feelings and emotions. Through art, we can also represent moments of tragedy, sadness, joy, or darkness within society.