The Importance of Evolutionary Anthropology As an evolutionary anthropologist, I am constantly confronted with the public perception that anthropology has no practical utility. Throughout America and Canada, there is a disturbingly negative perception of anthropological inquiry. This is why Governor Rick Scott was confident to proclaim that anthropology was not a vital interest to the … Continue reading The Importance of Evolutionary Anthropology
Tag: academia
The Adaptation Program
The Adaptation Program Yesterday, I read a famous scientific article on adaptation by evolutionary biologists Stephen J. Gould and Richard Lewontin, titled “The Spandrels of San Marco and the Panglossian Paradigm: A Critique of the Adaptationist Programme” (Gould & Lewontin, 1979). Gould & Lewontin criticize what they call the “adaptationist programme” school of thought within … Continue reading The Adaptation Program
Welcome to “Forms of Life”
Welcome to "Forms of Life" Ben Buller, the newest addition to The Advanced Apes, introduces Forms of LIfe, a new blog. Forms of Life will attempt to highlight good and bad treatment of science in popular and academic literature, as well as brainstorm interesting facets of the intersection between science and philosophy. Full Article: Welcome … Continue reading Welcome to “Forms of Life”
Personal Influences
Personal Influences Regardless of the path in life that you follow, most of us were inspired by the generation that came before. This inspiration creates a desire within us to build on what we were given and make the world a better place. Evolutionary anthroplogists Cadell Last and Travis Steffens discuss the people that inspired … Continue reading Personal Influences
Rethinking Education
Rethinking Education The current educational structure is deeply flawed. In an ideal world every student would have a one-on-one tutor. However, for several reasons this is not a feasible teaching structure. But with the development of new computer technologies, it may be possible one day for everyone to have a one-on-one personalized computer tutor. This … Continue reading Rethinking Education
Meeting With Jane
Meeting With Jane Jane Goodall has been a tremendous influence to me academically. Her research inspired me to study chimpanzees, learn about human evolution and attempt to make a career for myself in academia. Recently I had a chance to meet and speak with her and it was once of the most memorable events in … Continue reading Meeting With Jane
Sharing A Divided World
Sharing A Divided World During my undergraduate career I was fully immersed in a four-field approach to anthropological learning. During this experience I found that there is severe division between the four fields that is detrimental to the subject as a whole. In the future anthropologists need to be open to greater collaboration and integration. … Continue reading Sharing A Divided World