29. Stephen Jay Gould (1989) and others have argued that the evolution of self-c

Question

29. Stephen Jay Gould (1989) and others have argued that the evolution of self-conscious, intelligent species (i.e. humans) was historically contingent: it would not have occurred had any of a great many historical events been different. The philosopher Daniel Dennett (1995) 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. What do you think, and why? If Gould’s position is right, what are its philosophical implications, if any?

Explanation / 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.

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