Language Evolution, Symbolic Cognition, Language Acquisition, Brain Development, Origin of the Human Mind | Terrence Deacon | 20
Mind & Matter
00:00
The Embedded Nature of Human Existence
Human existence is shaped by the environment and experiences it is exposed to, which are passed on and recreated across generations. Similar to beavers building dams, human brains have adapted to the abstract symbolic environment, creating a niche in which humans are embedded. As a result, individuals without certain experiences, such as wild children raised without language and human interaction, may be considered not fully human, as much of what constitutes humanity is distributed in this niche. Human brains are wired to expect certain social interactions and communications, having evolved to be more adapted to this embedded niche.
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