Human Origin Perspectives

Social Science vs. History

• Social scientists utilize experimental data through samples, unlike historians.
• Theoretical models and hypotheses are more commonly used in social sciences compared to history.

Historiography

• Historiography is the study of historical writing and the methods involved in documenting history.
• Organized historical study arose with civilization, notably with the advent of writing.
• Herodotus, known as the "father of history," documented the Greek-Persian wars around 484-425 B.C.
• Thucydides succeeded Herodotus, critically chronicling the Peloponnesian War (431-408 B.C).
• Modern historiography was shaped in the 1800s, with Leopold von Ranke recognized as its "father."

Key Elements in the Study of History

• Sources are crucial; all historical claims must be backed by evidence.
• Interpretation of historical evidence is essential for understanding its significance.
• Archaeology and anthropology contribute to historical evidence interpretation.

Views on Human Origin

• Creationist View: Belief that life and humans were created by a supernatural force.
• Scientific View (Theory of Evolution): Proposes that life evolved over millions of years, with Charles Darwin's "Origin of Species" (1859) detailing this process.

Stages of Human Evolution

• Hominids include modern humans and extinct human-like species, characterized by upright walking and enlarged brains.
• Humans, gorillas, and chimpanzees share a common ancestor believed to have lived between 8-5 million years ago.
• Oldowan Sites: Key archaeological sites marking the development of early human tools in Africa, dating from 2.5 million to 1.7 million years ago.
• Acheulean Tools: Hand axes used by Homo erectus, dating from 1.5 million to 200,000 years ago; indicative of advanced tool-making skills.

Development of Homo Sapiens

• Homo erectus evolved into Homo sapiens during the Middle Paleolithic period.
• Notable archaeological sites like Gademotta (200,000 years ago) provide insights into human anatomy and cultural development.

Kingdom of Kush

• Located in Nubia, south of Egypt, with a climate favorable for agriculture.
• Cultural and technological exchange existed between Egypt and Kush; Nubians adopted Egyptian gods, writing, and customs.
• Kush rose to prominence around 700 B.C., conquering Egypt under King Piankhi, establishing the 25th dynasty.
• Meroe succeeded Napata as the capital around 590 B.C., fostering trade due to valuable resources.

Confucianism and Early Chinese Civilization

• Confucianism, developed by Confucius and later Mencius, emphasizes moral values and interpersonal relationships.
• Mencius believed in inherent goodness and the importance of compassion in humanity.
• The Qin dynasty (221 B.C.) unified China, emphasizing strict laws and governance through Legalism.
• Ancient Chinese innovations include coal use, porcelain production, the wheelbarrow, silk manufacturing, paper-making, and gunpowder.