Early Human Existence & Technological Development

Lesson Objectives

• The lesson aims to explain the concept of the human condition before the advent of science and technology.
• It seeks to identify the changes that occurred in the human condition with the rise of science and technology.
• The lesson also aims to explore how technology has aided in revealing truths about human beings.

Two Timelines in History

• BCE(Before Common Era)
• CE (Common Era)
• 2000 BC = 2000 BCE = 3950 BP
• 2000 CE = AD = -50 BP

Generation Gap

• A generation gap is mainly attributed to changes brought about by technology
• Older generations may find newer technologies too complicated to operate.

Human Condition Before Common Era (BCE)

• Early ancestors' need to survive paved the way for various developments.
• Homo erectus, known as "upright man," lived between about 1.89 million and 143,000 years ago, and used fire to cook.
• Homo sapiens, known as "wise man," lived from the Paleolithic Age(Stone Age) about 200,000 years ago, and used stone as simple machines.

The Ages Before Common Era (BCE)

• Stone Age
• Palaeolithic (old stone age) saw the first use of stone tools, dating back approximately 2.8 million BP – 12,800 BCE
• Mesolithic (middle stone age) involved the development of technology dating back approximately c. 12,500 – 9,500 BCE
• Neolithic (new stone age) marked the development of technology and society, and was when Homo sapiens emerged around c. 9,400 – 7,000 BCE
• Chalcolithic (copper age) was a transitional period with copper metallurgy and stone tools being used together approximately c. 3,700 – 3,000 BCE
• Bronze Age which was approximately c. 2,000 - various over the world
• Iron Age which was varied across every region

Technology in the Stone Age

• Humans shaped rocks into hand axes using stone hammers, sharpening the edges with wooden, stone, or antler tools.
• Fire was used to control the environment, used for socialization, and cooking
• Fire was used for hunting to scare animals into kill sites.

Technology in the Metal Age: Bronze and Iron Age

• Weaponry in the Metal Age allowed cities to wage more successful wars and have more efficient means for defense as opposed to the Neolithic Age.
• Tools were used to prepare, contain, cut, and cook food. They were also used as personal grooming tools.
• Clothing made use of fur and animal skin for warmth against harsh winds and environmental conditions.
• Chariots were supreme military weapons used in battles with two people in it: a driver and a fighter using bow-arrows or javelin

Human Condition in the Common Era (CE)

• The Holocene Extinction is also called Anthropocene extinction or the "Sixth extinction," occurring from 100,000-200,000 years up to the present.
• It refers to the ongoing extinction of a number of species of both flora and fauna.
• The extinction of species on earth
• Approximately 1.5 species have already been discovered on Earth
• The actual amount of a species are estimated between 10 and 100,000,000
• Approximately 150-270 species become extinct

Causes of the Holocene Extinction

• Primal need to survive
• Growing population means more demand and less supply
• Community formation leads to habitat destruction and urbanization
• Illegal wildlife trade or overexploitation
• Global warming and pollution

Rise of Economy

• Gathering as much as possible became a new objective
• Communities become reliant on other communities products
• The primary goal of humanity changed from surviving to living a good life.

Advent of Technology

• Technology has advanced in medicine, health, and education.
• Mortality rates have reduced among women and children during birth due to technology.
• Advanced medical care for premature infants has increased.
• Science has prolonged lives and enhanced the living status.
• Remedies and medicine are distributed easier
• Access to education is easier
• Country income is brought by high productivity

Essence of Technology

• Martin Heidegger, a philosopher, argued that the essence or purpose of technology and being were different.
• According to Heidegger, technology is perceived either as a means to achieve man's end and it constitutes human activity, or as something that reveals a certain character regarding man's being
• A concern exists that our pursuit of technology may not lead us to the right direction or a good life
• A reliance on technology could lead to innumerable dangers and humans may reduce their surroundings to their economic value.

Questions about factors driving technological development during early human existence, usage of fire during the Stone Age and characteristics of Homo sapiens. The extinctions of species and main characteristic of Mesolithic Age.