The monkey in the mirror

The monkey in the mirror

essays on the science of what makes us human

by Ian Tattersall

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About
Ian Tattersall is widely regarded as one of the rare eminent scientists who is also a graceful and engaging writer. In this extraordinary new work he attempts to answer the most controversial questions on human origins: What makes us so different? How did we get this way? How do we know? Guiding readers around the world and far into the past, Tattersall examines and explores evolutionary theory, a science based not on a finite set of conclusions drawn from overwhelming evidence, but rather our evolving effort to make sense out of a handful of incomplete fossil remains. Brimming with delightful stories and scientific wisdom, this exquisite book offers fresh insight into the fundamental questions of our origins--and our evolutionary future.

Discussion questions for The monkey in the mirror

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  1. 1

    Tattersall emphasizes that the fossil record is made up of only a handful of incomplete remains rather than a neat, linear progression. How does this reality change the way you view the authority of science compared to how it is often presented in popular culture?

  2. 2

    The author explores the profound cognitive leap that led to modern human symbolic thought. Looking around at our current society, what do you think are the most significant ways we still utilize—or perhaps misuse—this unique evolutionary capacity?

  3. 3

    Tattersall describes human evolution not as a slow, steady march toward perfection, but as a messy tree with many dead ends. How does this perspective alter your understanding of humanity’s place in the natural world?

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