Question

In: Biology

Stephen Jay Gould and others have argued that the evolution of a self-conscious, intelligent species (i.e.,...

Stephen Jay Gould and others have argued that the evolution of a self-conscious, intelligent species (i.e., humans) was historically contingent, or it would not have occurred had any of a great many historical events been different. The philosopher Daniel Dennett and others have disagreed, arguing that convergent evolution is so common that if humans had not evolved, some other lineage would probably have given rise to a species with similar mental abilities. Based on what you have learned concerning Evolutionary Theory, which of these ideas do you think are correct – and why? If Gould’s position is right, what philosophical implications does his reasoning suggest – and why?

Solutions

Expert Solution

Answer:

  • The nature and origins of human intelligence is a much debated topic.
  • It has proved that humans are most successful and created hominid species.
  • Intelligence has been defined in many different methods to involve the understanding, learning, emotions, planning, creativity and problem solving. Stephan Jay Gould said that humans are intelligent species.
  • But Daniel disagreed about these lines if humans had not evolved and some other lineage would probably have given increase to a species with similar mental abilities. These situations will be discussed in upcoming paragraphs.
  • According to Stephen Jay Gould, Debate on intelligence species ( for instance: humans) was historically contingent. Historical contingency is an important key and idea in biology and evolution.
  • When he recommended the thought experiment of rewinding the tape of evolution backwards and restarting it. And the main question: would the life involve in the same way or in some different way.
  • From the beginning of ancient time, life style has been changed by sophistication of technology. Technology has been altered at the beginning of life.
  • The philosopher Daniel and other personalities have disagreed about upper lines they said that if humans had not evolved on earth then other species could be evolved on this planet with similar mental abilities.
  • According to my perceptions,Daniel may be right.
  • If humans are not evolved on earth then other intelligent species could be evolved.The philosopher Daniel and other personalities have disagreed about upper lines they said that if humans had not evolved on earth then other species could be evolved on this planet with similar mental abilities.
  • According to my perceptions,Daniel may be right. If humans are not evolved on earth then other intelligent species could be evolved.

Please rate my answer......................................


Related Solutions

Read the essay: The Median Isn’t the Message by Stephen Jay Gould and answer the following...
Read the essay: The Median Isn’t the Message by Stephen Jay Gould and answer the following discussion question. Explain why it is preferable for someone in the better half that the distribution of the survival variable is right skewed, not left skewed.?
Some have argued that sustainable strategies have been said to be too costly. Others have argued...
Some have argued that sustainable strategies have been said to be too costly. Others have argued that the nature of sustainable strategies (waste reduction) makes these strategies more efficient and effective. Take a position and provide a solid argument for it and back it up with facts and examples where possible.
Numerous studies have shown that watching too much television hurts school grades. Others have argued that...
Numerous studies have shown that watching too much television hurts school grades. Others have argued that television is not necessarily a bad thing for children (Psychology Today, October 22, 2012). Like books and stories, television not only entertains, it also exposes a child to new information about the world. While watching too much television is harmful, a little bit may actually help. Researcher Matt Castle gathers information on the grade point average (GPA) of 28 middle school children and the...
Numerous studies have shown that watching too much television hurts school grades. Others have argued that...
Numerous studies have shown that watching too much television hurts school grades. Others have argued that television is not necessarily a bad thing for children (Psychology Today, October 22, 2012). Like books and stories, television not only entertains, it also exposes a child to new information about the world. While watching too much television is harmful, a little bit may actually help. Researcher Matt Castle gathers information on the grade point average (GPA) of 28 middle school children and the...
Numerous studies have shown that watching too much television hurts school grades. Others have argued that...
Numerous studies have shown that watching too much television hurts school grades. Others have argued that television is not necessarily a bad thing for children (Psychology Today, October 22, 2012). Like books and stories, television not only entertains, it also exposes a child to new information about the world. While watching too much television is harmful, a little bit may actually help. Researcher Matt Castle gathers information on the grade point average (GPA) of 28 middle school children and the...
What causes some Orders to have many species and others few? For example, there are only...
What causes some Orders to have many species and others few? For example, there are only three species in the Order Proboscidea.
Why doesn’t evolution have a plan? Discuss in depth actual examples that explain why species do...
Why doesn’t evolution have a plan? Discuss in depth actual examples that explain why species do not evolve because they need to, have to or want to. EXPLAIN PLEASE WILL RATE
Sympatric species have overlapping territory. True False, the term sympatric can only refer to evolution False,...
Sympatric species have overlapping territory. True False, the term sympatric can only refer to evolution False, species never overlap in territory Bees and wasps both have specialized physical and chemical defenses. Their coloration is also similar. This is an example of... Mullerian mimicry Gaussian mimicry Masting mimicry Batesian mimicry Acid rain is associated with all of the following biogeochemical cycles EXCEPT... Carbon cycle Sulfur cycle Hydrologic cycle Phosphorus cycle As seen in the Galapagos finch example, competition can cause character...
List nine traits that developed during human evolution. Two species that have each trait (you can't...
List nine traits that developed during human evolution. Two species that have each trait (you can't use the same species twice so it must be two new species for each trait) and approximately in millions of years when these adaptations took place.
Susan is a self-employed consultant, earning $85,000 annually. She does not have health insurance but knows that, in a given year, there is a 5 percent probability (i.e. 0.05) she will develop a serious illlness.
                                                                Demand for Health InsuranceSusan is a self-employed consultant, earning $85,000 annually. She does not have health insurance but knows that, in a given year, there is a 5 percent probability (i.e. 0.05) she will develop a serious illlness. If so, she could expect medical bills to be as high as $20,000. Susan derives utility from her income according to the following formula:U = Y(0.25),(i.e. Y raised to the 0.25 power), where Y is annual income.1. What is Susan's expected utility?...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT