The Singularity The Singularity is the concept that predicts humans will completely merge with their technology in the near future (2040s). Many futurists, including prolific inventor Ray Kurzweil, believes that this is an evolutionary inevitability. Is the singularity inevitable? And if it is, what will happen afterwards? Cadell Last and Scott Rodgerson discuss. Podcast: The … Continue reading The Singularity
Tag: evolution
An Idea to Change All Ideas
An Idea to Change All Ideas Ray Kurzweil is a prolific inventor and futurist that believes that humanity is reaching a new epoch in the history of the universe, life and humanity: the technological singularity. The technological singularity is a predicted point in time when humans and technology will completely merge to create a new … Continue reading An Idea to Change All Ideas
Evolutionary Thought Pre-Darwin Pt. 2
Evolutionary Thought Pre-Darwin Pt. 2 Evolutionary thought was in vogue among naturalists in the centuries leading up to the co-discovery of the theory of evolution by natural selection. Several different European philosophers and scientists embraced the notion that life must have changed over time. It was in this intellectual environment that Darwin and Wallace made … Continue reading Evolutionary Thought Pre-Darwin Pt. 2
Creationism in Public Schools
Creationism in Public Schools Creationism is still commonly taught in biology classrooms throughout North America. Several states teach it 'along side' evolution. What role should religion play in public school? And specifically how should biology teachers approach creationist philosophy in class? Full Article: Creationism in Public Schools in The Advanced Apes
Evolutionary Thought Pre-Darwin Pt. 1
Evolutionary Thought Pre-Darwin Pt. 1 Intellectuals have been discussing the idea of biological evolution for much longer than is generally believed. Evolutionary thought has its roots in ancient Eurasian intellectual traditions and was widely discussed for centuries before the rise of Christianity. Full Article: Evolutionary Thought Pre-Darwin Pt.1 on The Advanced Apes
Can There Be Another Jane Goodall?
Can There Be Another Jane Goodall? Charles Darwin, Louis Leakey and Jane Goodall are all evolutionary pioneers and intellectual pillars of contemporary evolutionary thought. However, their discoveries and contributions to the various evolutionary fields were uniquely historically contingent. Is it possible for any modern day evolutionary academics to make comparable breakthroughs? Full Article: Can There … Continue reading Can There Be Another Jane Goodall?
A World With More Than One Human Species
A World With More Than One Human Species For most of our species existence we shared this planet with other humans (i.e., Neaderthals, Denisova). They co-existed in many regions throughout Eurasia for tens of thousands of years. What was their relationship like? And what would our world look like today if there were more than … Continue reading A World With More Than One Human Species
Decoding Our Family
Decoding Our Family In 2000 we sequenced the human genome. Over the past decade primatologists have decoded the genome of all great apes (chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos and orangutans). Now we can compare, contrast and learn more about our genetic relationship with our closest relatives. Throughout that time we have learned a tremendous amount about their … Continue reading Decoding Our Family
Evolution of Primate Sleep
Evolution of Primate Sleep Throughout my young career as a primate researcher I have focused on sleeping patterns in two different species (chimpanzees and ring-tailed lemurs). This research has helped me piece together some of the most important patterns and trends that have characterized the evolution of primate sleep. Full Article: Evolution of Primate Sleep … Continue reading Evolution of Primate Sleep
Diurnality, Nocturnality, & Cathemerality
Diurnality, Nocturnality, & Cathemerality Understanding animal behaviour in the classroom is much different than understanding animal behaviour in the field. During my research trip to St. Catherines Island to study ring-tailed lemur activity patterns I realized that concepts I thought I understood were more problematic than they were helpful. Full Article: Diurnality, Nocturnality & Cathemerality … Continue reading Diurnality, Nocturnality, & Cathemerality