Symbols, sex, and sociality in the evolution of human morality

Journal/Book: J Conscious Stud. 2000; 7: PO Box 1, Thorverton Ex5 5Yx, England. Imprint Academic. 130-139.

Abstract: Boehm's model conceptualizes a common ancestor to humans, chimpanzees, and bonobos at several million years B.P., followed by a model of prehistoric foragers at 25,000-50,000 B.P. Based on ethnographic data from twentieth-century hunters and gatherers. By putting processes of complex communication into the picture, we call refine Boehm's model considerably by filling in significant scenarios for humans beginning at perhaps 2 million years ago. These include a suite of features that include constraints on sexual behaviour a rudimentary division of labour, the gendering of morality, socialized control over junior males, increased group size, increased home range size, the reduction of bullying behaviour and a reverse dominance hierarchy that promotes egalitarianism among fully adult males. Boehm's model emphasizes the last two of these, but it is consistent with the others as well. Cultural or proto-cultural elaboration of beliefs and associated practices is the symbolic dimension of morality and is an important component of human evolution. Boehm's model is extremely important for outlining socio-political mechanisms and concomitants in the formation of adult male egalitarian groups, and, ill the process, identifying a key element in the evolution of human morality.

Note: Article Knauft BM, Emory Univ, Dept Anthropol, Geosci Bldg, 1557 Pierce Dr, Atlanta,GA 30322 USA

Keyword(s): GROUP-SIZE; LANGUAGE; VIOLENCE

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