Where Are We Heading?

The Evolution of Humans and Things

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Biological Sciences, Evolution, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Anthropology
Cover of the book Where Are We Heading? by Ian Hodder, Yale University Press
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Author: Ian Hodder ISBN: 9780300240399
Publisher: Yale University Press Publication: August 21, 2018
Imprint: Yale University Press Language: English
Author: Ian Hodder
ISBN: 9780300240399
Publisher: Yale University Press
Publication: August 21, 2018
Imprint: Yale University Press
Language: English

A theory of human evolution and history based on ever-increasing mutual dependency between humans and things

In this engaging exploration, archaeologist Ian Hodder departs from the two prevailing modes of thought about human evolution: the older idea of constant advancement toward a civilized ideal and the newer one of a directionless process of natural selection. Instead, he proposes a theory of human evolution and history based on “entanglement,” the ever-increasing mutual dependency between humans and things.

Not only do humans become dependent on things, Hodder asserts, but things become dependent on humans, requiring an endless succession of new innovations. It is this mutual dependency that creates the dominant trend in both cultural and genetic evolution. He selects a small number of cases, ranging in significance from the invention of the wheel down to Christmas tree lights, to show how entanglement has created webs of human-thing dependency that encircle the world and limit our responses to global crises.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

A theory of human evolution and history based on ever-increasing mutual dependency between humans and things

In this engaging exploration, archaeologist Ian Hodder departs from the two prevailing modes of thought about human evolution: the older idea of constant advancement toward a civilized ideal and the newer one of a directionless process of natural selection. Instead, he proposes a theory of human evolution and history based on “entanglement,” the ever-increasing mutual dependency between humans and things.

Not only do humans become dependent on things, Hodder asserts, but things become dependent on humans, requiring an endless succession of new innovations. It is this mutual dependency that creates the dominant trend in both cultural and genetic evolution. He selects a small number of cases, ranging in significance from the invention of the wheel down to Christmas tree lights, to show how entanglement has created webs of human-thing dependency that encircle the world and limit our responses to global crises.

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