Explaining Human Origins
The author argues that theories of human origins developed by archaeologists and physical anthropologists from the early nineteenth century to the present day are structurally similar to Western folk theories, and to the speculations of earlier philosophers. Reviewing a remarkable range of thinkers writing in a variety of European languages, he criticizes the lack of development in theories of human origins, but concludes optimistically that the power of the scientific approach will deliver more reliable theories--only if it is conscious of the baggage it carries over from popular discourse.
- A new perspective on the study of scientific knowledge
- An anthropological approach to scientific thought
- A critical analysis of the current explanations of human origins
Product details
July 2002Paperback
9780521657303
246 pages
229 × 152 × 14 mm
0.37kg
7 tables
Available
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Prehistory and the conditioned imagination
- 3. Anthropogenesis and science
- 4. In search of causes
- 5. A double game.